Deanna's Journey

Our fun and kind-hearted niece, Deanna, is such a fighter! We’ve always been so impressed by her willingness to help others, many times, setting her own needs aside! And over the last few weeks, our admiration of her has skyrocketed!

If you don’t know the story of the last few weeks, let us tell you . . .

On December 6, 2022, Deanna was doing what MANY people were doing for the holiday season . . . taking the Christmas tree out of the attic to begin decorating. In a split second, rather than starting to put ornaments on the Christmas tree, Deanna accidentally fell. It's a staunch reminder of how precious life is and just how quickly it can be altered.

Deanna was life-flighted to the Houston Medical Center, where it was determined she needed spinal surgery. She spent 2 weeks in the hospital ICU and was diagnosed with a complete spinal cord injury at the T10 vertebrae, resulting in paralysis from the waist down.

Deanna spent the next 3.5 weeks at TIRR Memorial Hermann Rehabilitation and Research Facility for inpatient rehabilitation.

She finally made it home last week, where she will continue healing from the spine surgery and plans to return to TIRR for Phase 2 of inpatient therapy in April 2023. As surgery restrictions are lifted, Phase 2 will help her achieve more independence, especially as Deanna and Ashley prepare for the arrival of their baby girl, Emerson, in May. Deanna will continue long-term outpatient therapy, which is instrumental to gain full independence and mastering daily routines from her wheelchair.

Deanna has not let her diagnosis define her, but rather it has lit a fire in her! Since that life-altering split second in the attic, Deanna has remained positive. Her kind-hearted spirit remains; still worrying about others more than herself. Her perseverance is like no other we have seen and her commitment to rehabilitation is unparalleled.

We have started this Go Fund Me account to ease the financial commitment that this life-long journey will take! The funds will go to support a temporary home-health caregiver, medical equipment, medical supplies, medical bills, and physical and occupational therapy.

We thank you for any support you can give, including sharing this link with your family and friends. It is appreciated beyond words!

Our Best Regards,

Lorna Rivero and Ingrid Cordon (the Tias / the aunts)