Support Debbi Reynolds Rabens, an Earth Angels Recovery

Help Support Debbi Reynolds’ Recovery After a Traumatic Accident

My name is Yvonne Gamelin, and I am Sue Peterson's daughter. We sit on the board with Debbi for our nonprofit Another Farm Friends, Inc., a farm that has been part of the community for over 45 years. I am writing today with the permission from Debbi's loving husband Karl, to share the story of Debbi Reynolds/Raben. Debbi is a beloved member of our community who is fighting for her life after a freak accident that occurred on the evening of March 17th, 2025.

Debbi is truly an earth angel. Every day, she would show up to the farm with a bag full of treats for the animals. The chickens would come running, the goats would start calling to her, and the horses would become excited just to hear her voice. Not only is Debbi the proud owner of her horse, Bougie, who boards with us, but she has also volunteered countless hours helping around the farm. She’s served on the board of Another Farm Friends, Inc., where she helped raise over $55,000 for our programs. Debbi even cried tears of joy at our first IEA show, witnessing the dreams of our hard-working kids come true.

But on the evening of March 17th, tragedy struck.

Debbi was standing outside the stall, chatting with a friend while the other woman tacked up her horse inside. This horse, a 17.1-hand Warmblood, walked out of the stall until the saddle got caught on the door. As the saddle pulled back, the girth acted like a bronc strap, and the horse bucked, striking Debbi directly on the left side of her head. It was an accident—nothing anyone could have anticipated—but it has left Debbi fighting for her life.

Though 911 was called immediately, Debbi lay unconscious on the barn floor for over 20 minutes, bleeding profusely from the head. A registered nurse who was on-site provided support until the EMTs arrived. Once the paramedics arrived, they jumped into the ambulance and Debs life was in their hands.

When the Woodbury Ambulance EMTs arrived, they were surprised at how critical the situation. Words can’t fully explain how traumatic the scene was. However, I can tell you that I was beyond proud of how professional and calm the EMTs were in handling the situation. They immediately jumped into action, treating Debbi with the care and urgency she needed. They were nothing short of heroes in this moment, and I am incredibly grateful for their quick response and expertise.

Debbi was transported to Waterbury Hospital's Trauma Unit, where she received incredible care. It was there that we learned she had suffered a fractured skull, with part of her skull pressing on the brain. She had two small brain bleeds and a pseudo brain bleed near her brain stem. Despite this devastating injury, her body was otherwise unharmed.

On March 18th, Debbi underwent surgery to remove the pressure from her brain. Thankfully, the MRI results post-surgery were clear, but she still faces significant risks, including infection, intracranial pressure, and the possibility of further brain bleeds. We are anxiously awaiting the moment she opens her eyes, but she has a long road ahead of her.

Debbi’s story is one of selflessness, kindness, and compassion. As a retired psych nurse, an avid animal lover, and a woman with a heart of gold, she has touched the lives of so many. She has always been there for others, offering her help, her time, and her love. Now, it’s time for us to be there for her.

Although Debbi has insurance, we all know how quickly medical bills can add up, and the costs associated with this kind of injury are overwhelming. Any donation, no matter the size, will help.

We are incredibly grateful for the outpouring of love and support Debbi has received from the horse community, friends, and family. The hundreds of prayers have truly made a difference. Debbi is a fighter, and with your support, we know she will continue to push through this difficult journey.

Thank you for taking the time to read Debbi’s story and for your continued prayers and your generosity. Your prayers, love, and donations mean the world to us. Together, we can help this amazing woman continue to be the earth angel she is.

#PrayersForDebbi #EarthAngelDeb