Eleven years after a catastrophic crash nearly took her life, Joan McHugh is sharing her story. While stopped in traffic on the highway, her car was struck by a texting truck driver, leading to multiple traumatic injuries, including an internal decapitation - an injury that only 3% of people survive.
After the crash, Joan came to Gaylord Hospital for intensive rehabilitation. When she arrived, she couldn't walk, speak, eat, or swallow on her own. Over the course of two months, she worked closely with her care team to regain essential skills and begin the long road of recovery.
That journey continues today. Joan was excited to begin care at Gaylord Specialty Healthcare’s Fairfield outpatient location as soon as it opened, where she now receives regular therapy to continue working on balance and regaining her independence.
Her story is a powerful reminder that recovery can continue long after a hospital stay ends, and that the right support can help people achieve more than they imagined possible.
Read or watch the full story on News 12 Connecticut.