Nationwide — Hannah Smith, a 22-year-old African American girl from Tennessee who survived a devastating accident within the Bahamas, has stated an emotional goodbye to the South Florida hospital the place she made a outstanding restoration. She was surrounded by docs, therapists, and household as she rang the ceremonial bell and exited Embody Well being Rehabilitation Hospital in Cutler Bay, marking a significant milestone in her journey.
“It’s only a massive win,” stated Smith. “A few months in the past, I couldn’t even think about this second after my accident. It’s an enormous motivation to maintain going.”
WSVN reviews that Smith, a current graduate of Miles School in Alabama, was vacationing within the Bahamas on Could 12 to have fun her commencement when a tragic boating accident modified her life. Throughout an tour, she was struck by a ship’s propellers, leading to extreme accidents to her legs.
“After we stopped at a port within the Bahamas, I went on an tour and, sadly, the boat propellers sort of dismembered my legs,” she recalled. One leg was amputated whereas she was nonetheless within the Bahamas, and she or he was later airlifted to Miami, the place she underwent a number of surgical procedures.
By way of months of intensive rehabilitation, together with three hours of day by day bodily remedy, Smith has fought her manner again with willpower and resilience. “I traded my legs for my life,” she stated, including that she stays grateful simply to be alive.
Regardless of the trauma, Smith has confronted daily with a smile, selecting positivity over despair. “It’s as much as you in the event you’re going to be comfortable or unhappy or mad daily,” she stated. “I select pleasure.”
She credit her power to her religion and her supportive household. “In addition to God, positively my mother and father. They’ve pulled me out of some actually darkish moments. I wouldn’t be this optimistic with out them,” she stated.
Along with her household cheering her on, Smith climbed into the entrance seat of their automobile, pleased with how far she’s come. “I’m very pleased with myself—with the ability to do my very own hygiene, get round, and switch. The following step is continuous outpatient remedy and getting ready for my prosthetics.”
Her household has launched a GoFundMe web page to assist assist her ongoing restoration as she continues to rebuild her life.