Finding the Strength to Persevere

My accident took place on December 31, 2020. I was going to a friend’s house to hang out and planned to be home to celebrate New Year’s Eve later that night with my parents. My Nana passed away from cancer on January 1, 2014, so we like to be together to celebrate her life on that day. Unfortunately, no one knew what was going to take place. I was out in the desert near the home of my friend’s house standing near a bonfire. All of a sudden, I felt my body being shoved into the fire. I looked down realized a truck had lost the ability to brake and pushed me into the bonfire, pinning my leg under it. My friends were all talking to me but I couldn’t hear anything – my body went into shock. They pulled me out but the damage had been done. No one knew what to do because there were no adults present and we were all scared. I told my friends to call my parents. 911 was never called!

My parents drove to where we were near my friend’s house and met the other parents. My dad literally picked me up and put me in his truck. My mom remembers my jean pants looking as if someone got an iron and melted them on to my thigh. They rushed me to the ER. I had 10 percent burns on my legs. I had to be transferred to Banner University Medical Center, were they assessed the injury and recommended I have a skin graft, along with pig skin placed on my leg. I spent five days in the hospital. Luckily, no bones were broken but my body was so swollen from the trauma and I could not put much weight on my leg for quite a while.

I was an A+ student and very active in ballet, tennis, and volleyball. My life did change forever from one night to the next, but here I am getting through this trial. I do believe my Nana and other loves ones were there with me that night. I turned 16 in June, got my driver’s license and I am back in ballet. I also started a new hobby doing archery competitions with my brother. I went back to school and finished my sophomore year as well. I still have a long road ahead of me. I will be undergoing laser treatments at Valleywise in July. I wear garments daily and my mom does scar massages. It has been a life changing experience, but I do not plan to let it get me down. I have had plenty of support/help from Banner, Valleywise, Arizona Burn Foundation and Body Central PT. Thank you all – my parents and I are so blessed to have you in our lives.