Nationwide — Cierra Stockard, an African American lady from Nashville, Tennessee, is recovering in Jamaica after a dolphin swimming accident throughout her spring break trip. The autumn induced vital damage, and her household is now working to carry her dwelling.
What began as a dream trip shortly became a nightmare when Stockard fell off a dolphin, touchdown on its dorsal fin. The affect induced a big hematoma, and she or he was rushed to a close-by hospital.
“It felt like I acquired right into a automobile accident,” Stockard advised WKRN. “It’s such as you’re going right into a cheerleading place — such as you’re a flyer on prime of the pyramid. They only push you thru the water and it’s such as you’re gliding via water.”
Stockard underwent emergency surgical procedure, fearing she would possibly by no means see her younger daughters once more. She additionally battles sickle cell anemia, which complicates her situation.
Her household, together with her aunt and sister, are in Jamaica together with her, involved in regards to the high quality of her care and the excessive value of a medical flight again to the U.S. that her insurance coverage gained’t cowl. Regardless of some assist from the embassy, Stockard’s household has been dealing with many of the logistics themselves.
Stockard has undergone two surgical procedures and stays in ache however is alleged to be in good spirits. A GoFundMe has been set as much as assist with medical bills and transportation prices. It has up to now raised almost $30,000.