Seven weeks ago Dara and three friends took a trip to Mexico for Memorial Day weekend. Unfortunately the group never made it to their destination. Dara was in the backseat when her car collided with a large propane truck on the freeway less than an hour away from their destination. Though luckily everyone survived, Dara has suffered several physical injuries from this tragic accident including a broken fibula, a dislocated left hip, a broken jaw - which unhinged at both the left and right sides and split down the middle - a broken nose, and shattered teeth along the entire right side of her mouth.

What does this mean for Dara’s road to recovery? Thankfully, her hip was popped back into place quickly enough to avoid having to undergo hip replacement surgery - whether or not she will need surgery later down the line will be determined over the next 6 months while her hip continues to heal. Her right fibula was addressed with a boot and crutches, and is still her main focus in physical therapy. It is unclear how her jaw will heal since the left side broke more severely than the right. But because the main concern was and still is function, it's unlikely that Dara's jaw will look the same as it did before the accident; regardless, she remains hopeful. Luckily, her jaw has healed without any infection thus far, opening the door for her most recent rhinoplasty surgery and advancing her one step closer to replacing her shattered teeth on the right side of her mouth (a surgery she has anticipated for weeks).  

Ronna and Billy, Dara’s parents, have been her rock and support system throughout the accident and have stood by her the entire time on her road to recovery. She has been extremely fortunate to have a mother and father who have helped her as much as they possibly could and who were willing to put their lives on hold for her betterment. While Dara was not the driver of the vehicle, her insurance has played an integral role in covering some of her expenses. Unfortunately, there are several costs that are not covered and will have to come out of pocket from her family or be put on hold. Her dental surgery is one of those costs. 

“Yoga, physical activity, mind/body work, and helping others with their physical goals have been a huge part of my life and my happiness. Words can’t describe the gratitude I feel for being here today and having the opportunity to fully heal. The absence of my physical yoga practice and exercise has been very difficult during this time. Not being able to work and do what I love has and will be emotionally and financially challenging, but I know I am growing stronger through this experience and I will take everything that comes my way as an opportunity to grow. I am determined, and 100% dedicated to a full and healthy recovery."

If you want to help Dara, you've come to the right place. Any financial contribution will go a long way. She wants everyone who visits this page to understand that you are making a huge difference in her life, and your support is deeply appreciated by her and her family. Thank you.