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A Garden City family is raising awareness after a tragic sledding accident left a mother partially paralyzed. Jessica Wollweber, who was enjoying a winter day at Middlebelt Hill in Hines Park with her 10-year-old daughter, suffered severe injuries after crashing headfirst into a tree.
The incident occurred in February, an outing that was meant to be filled with laughter and joy quickly turned into a nightmare. Jessica sustained multiple fractures in her face and back and was also diagnosed with a traumatic brain injury. “It was devastating to see my daughter in so much pain,” said her mother, who is now advocating for sledding safety.
Upon arrival at the hospital, the situation was critical. “When she got to the hospital, she was maybe there for an hour, and they had to remove part of her skull to relieve the pressure on her brain,” her mother recalled, tears streaming down her face. The recovery process has been long and arduous, with Jessica now facing the challenges of partial paralysis and ongoing rehabilitation.
To prevent similar accidents, the family is urging other parents to prioritize safety while sledding. “It only takes a moment of inattention for a fun day to turn disastrous,” they warn. They stress the importance of selecting safe locations, avoiding obstacles, and wearing appropriate gear.
As Jessica bravely navigates this new chapter of her life, her family hopes that sharing their experience will save others from heartbreak. “We just want to raise awareness and save another family from what we have gone through,” her mother said.
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