Alabama Mayor Survives Brain Bleed, Heads Back to Work

When Sheffield, Alabama Mayor Bryan Van Devender felt a severe headache on February 9, he assumed it was just another migraine. Within hours, he was fighting for his life.

Van Devender's eyes rolled back and he began struggling to breathe at his home. His wife called 911, and Sheffield EMS arrived within four minutes, rushing him to Helen Keller Hospital with a police escort.

Doctors discovered a brain bleed caused by an aneurysm. What happened next felt like a series of perfectly aligned dominoes falling in his favor.

The hospital's usual helicopter was grounded due to windy conditions. But a Vanderbilt University Medical Center helicopter happened to be flying near the Shoals area and could pick him up immediately.

Even more remarkably, Vanderbilt's top neurosurgeon was on call that night. The surgical team stopped the bleeding and saved his life.

After two surgeries and two weeks in the ICU, Van Devender is now home recovering. He credits the swift response from emergency crews and the medical expertise at Vanderbilt for his survival.

Why This Inspires

Van Devender says the community's support carried him through recovery. Prayer chains formed across the Shoals region, and messages poured in from neighbors and strangers alike.

Most people facing a near-death experience might step back from stressful work. Van Devender is doing the opposite.

"Now it just hits a little harder, and it means more," he said. "We're going to get to work and go get it."

He's scheduled to return to office after the March 16 city council meeting, ready to serve with renewed purpose.

The mayor who almost lost everything now sees his second chance as fuel to serve his community even better.