On October 17, 2020 Laura had a catastrophic accident when her horse, Raffiki was beset by a case of temporary insanity. Laura landed on her head and shoulder, and broke bones in her neck and back - specifically C2-3 and T4-5. It was bad - but Laura had a bit of luck - friends Kimberly and Loui were close by, and Loui is trained as an EMT. Laura could not breathe - Loui started chest compressions, ordered a Medevac helicopter and Kimberly helped get all the horses out of the field. Laura was flown to St. Joseph's Hospital in Tampa where she was stabilized, and underwent spinal fusion surgery on October 27. The spinal cord injuries left her paralyzed from the shoulders down, but luckily (she was wearing her helmet) she suffered no Traumatic Brain Injury, though she did have evidence of a concussion. On Nov. 26, 2020 Laura was transferred from St. Joseph's to Post-Acute Medical Hospital in Sarasota. to begin her recovery. Her family decided she had the best chance of rehabilitation at the Shepherd Center for Spinal Cord Injuries in Atlanta, and she was airlifted there on Feb. 4, 2021. Her main challenge will be breathing (she is currently ventilator-dependent), and mastering assistive technology that will allow her to live a fulfilling life. Laura is extremely grateful for the support of her family and friends who have been a constant source of support throughout her journey, and for the unknown prayer warriors who have heard her story and offered prayers. "For by grace you have been saved through faith."
