My dear friend Leah was in a severe work accident on August 14th.  While working on a Habitat for Humanity jobsite, a large forklift parked on an incline flipped when the mud beneath it gave way, crushing her body.  Three vertebrae, T4, T5, and T6 were severed, her lung was punctured, and her right leg was completely crushed. The doctors say she will be paralyzed. 

According to Shepherd Center's resources for understanding spinal injury, T4-6 refers to the thoracic vertebrae located in the mid-back. The corresponding nerves affect upper chest, mid-back and abdominal muscles. People with spine injuries in this location typically have normal arm and hand function. Their injuries usually cause paralysis of the trunk and legs (also known as paraplegia). They can most likely use a manual wheelchair, and can learn to drive a modified car. 

If you know Leah, you already know she *loves* to dance. She's one of the most active people I know, and has always made good use of her body, whether running marathons, joining me on an epic bike ride, chopping down trees, or shingling a roof.

I want her to know money is already being set aside so that she will be mobile again. Even an amount that may seem inconsequential is another voice saying "We look forward to seeing you dance on wheels in the near future, we have hope for the healing ahead."

While there's still a lot we don't know and Leah will work with her physical therapists to choose the best option, something lightweight like a Karman S-Ergo https://www.karmanhealthcare.com/product/s-ergo-atx/ would allow for easier dancing. 

If you're looking for other ways to show your concern and support, consider purchasing papergoods with her illustrations from Tiny and Snail, the stationary company she runs with her sister. https://tinyandsnail.com/