She was conscious while pinned after the fatal crash. Fundraiser aims to help her heal
Drivers traveling along Road 222 (
Another, seeing there was no cell phone service along this rural stretch in eastern
The force of the crash broke and shattered bones in Woodington's feet, now jammed into her mid-size SUV, and the connective tissue between her upper lip and gums ripped.
"She had blood coming from her nose and mouth," recalled her passenger,
The 31-year-old feared her vehicle might catch fire as she waited for emergency responders. When firefighters arrived, she feared the Jaws of Life tool used to free her might accidentally cut her. A compassionate paramedic threw his arm between Woodington and the instrument, assuring the
A helicopter came to transport her to the hospital. She would learn that the driver of the Kia Forte that hit her,
The
To help support Woodington, a fundraiser dinner will be held at
Road to recovery
It's crucial that her bones heal right. Woodington is on her feet for hours every day as a server at both El Cid and
"She has done very well," said Dr.
Among the tough changes: Considering that she may need a career change, not being able to enjoy her normal daily three-mile walk or jog, and being told she likely won't be able to wear her collection of pretty high heels again.
It's unknown when Woodington's bones will fully heal, or when she can return to work.
The
"I think about it a lot," Woodington said of the accident, "and it stresses me out and gives me anxiety before I go to sleep or when I wake up."
Part of the anxiety is imagining how much worse the accident could have been.
"I want people to drive slower," she said.
"There was a head-on collision four days after mine, in the same area," she said. "People need to slow down, that's for sure."
Insurance should cover much of Woodington's major medical expenses, but there are unknowns. There's a future emotional recovery needed along with physical therapy, and possibly a second surgery to remove a metal plate in one foot.
Woodington is grateful for her life, and for all the support she's received from a giving community and her fiancé. Their fridge is full off free cooked meals from generous coworkers.
"There's no way to describe how much I appreciate everything that's already been done for me. ... I've had so much help."
How to help
A Helping One Woman dinner fundraiser to support
Other donations can be made by calling Woodington's sister,
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