On January 30, 2026, my life changed forever when I was attacked by three pitbull dogs, severing my right wrist from my arm. Since then, I have remained in the hospital, undergoing six surgeries so far. I am currently on a wound vac, and I have to say the surgeons and my surgical team have done everything they possibly could to help save my arm. They have all been real nice, straightforward, and are doing everything possible that they know how to do.
This experience has been traumatic, and I wanted to join this community for the support and resources to help me through it. Adjusting to life now without being able to do the things I was able to do before has been difficult. The challenges I face now are trying to live everyday life, not being able to work and do the work I was doing before this accident happened, trying to stay joyful for my family and my friends, and just realizing my life is still here, I’m still breathing, and I made it through.
My family and loved ones have been my greatest source of strength. Especially my daughter, my sister, my niece and nieces, my granddaughters, and my grandson. They have been here the most for me, and their support is what has made me want to keep fighting forward. They have all stepped up to the plate to help make things better for when I do get out of the hospital and try to keep moving forward. My family, my loved ones, and my baby boomer are what’s pushing me through the process of recovery right now.
I am a survivor because of my loved ones, my family, and all the ones that mean the most to me. My baby boomer that I saved that day almost cost me my life, but I would do it a million times over again. Almost not making it has made me realize to take every day as if it’s your last, enjoy your family, enjoy your friends, make all the memories that you can, and enjoy life as it comes.
I have learned that I have a strong will to live. I have also learned how much my family means to me and how much God means to me, and never to take life for granted. My understanding of strength and resilience is very clarifying, to have the strength and resilience to just keep fighting forward, to move forward, and to accept the things that have happened in this time of tragedy.
The turning point in my recovery so far has been trying to face what could still happen. I still face many challenges, a lot of recovery, a lot of rehabilitation, and maybe even further surgeries. I don’t really know what to say about the community because I haven’t had many connections with anybody, but I do want to say that the hospital, the surgeons, the nurses, the housekeeping staff, everybody here has been truly amazing to me. They have helped me along the way and have given me the strength to keep fighting.
For anyone going through something difficult, I know how hard it is, especially facing it without anybody helping you in the process. Keep your head up, don’t quit, don’t give up, and just know that these people are amazing.