Shirley’s Story

Site created on November 17, 2018

On Nov. 13, Shirley was attacked in a parking lot, leaving her with serious injuries. She suffered a split scapula, eight broken ribs, four fractured vertebrae, and several fractures in the pelvis. While waiting 30 minutes for an ambulance, she lay unmovable in a rainy parking lot. She, then, spent several days in the ICU. 

As she embarks on this long journey of recovery, we will use this site  to keep family and friends updated in one place. 

Important Note: Shirley is looking forward to the time when she can receive visitors, however, we will let you know when that time comes. Until then, please do not visit her in the hospital unless you have scheduled it with the family. Thank you for understanding.

We are very grateful for your prayers, love, and support during this difficult time.

-The O’Donnell Family

Newest Update

Journal entry by Katie Salazar

Great news! Mom was discharged from the hospital yesterday and is home, resting now. She had an impressive “Independence Day,” as they called it, walking up and down 4 steps on a staircase, getting in and out of a car, and making her way around a small apartment—all a part of the rehab facility at the hospital. They even had her fold laundry, which she said she didn’t need to practice, since her husband would be doing all of that! ;) She will continue in an outpatient rehab program for the next six months or so.

It was difficult to say goodbye to all of the nurses, aides, and therapists who have been so wonderful to us over the last four weeks. Mom is looking forward to coming back to visit them when she is better, to show how much progress she will have made.

We realize that, in your kindness, so many of you are anxious to visit Mom. However, we ask that you please refrain from unannounced visits. Between the pain medication and rehabilitation, she is still extremely fatigued. Additionally, she remains sensitive to respiratory infection, particularly with her crushed ribs. We certainly appreciate the prayers you provide from near and far!

Finally, on this great feast of the Church, we give thanks for the gift of all mothers, especially our heavenly mother, who accompanies all those who suffer.
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