A California woman has suffered "catastrophic" injuries after a falling tree branch struck her during a powerful windstorm in Santa Rosa.
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Jasmine Mayer, 22, has been left paralyzed following the shocking incident, which happened on Sunday, May 17.
According to reports, Mayer suffered a severe spinal cord injury. Along with broken and bruised ribs after the branch came crashing down.
Woman Paralyzed After Tree Branch Falls During Windstorm
Mayer's father, Andy Mayer, told the San Francisco Chronicle that his daughter had been knitting with her best friend when the accident occurred.
The pair were at Steele Lane Elementary School when the tree branch suddenly struck Mayer.
Emergency responders treated the 22-year-old for what authorities described as "life-threatening injuries" at the scene. She was then rushed to UC Davis Medical Center in Sacramento.
Since the incident, family members and friends have launched a GoFundMe campaign to help cover medical expenses and support Mayer's recovery.
The fundraiser has already raised nearly $40,000 toward a $65,000 goal.
"This fund will help her and her dad afford her emergency care, rehabilitation, and other costs associated with recovery, including a larger and accessible vehicle, mobility aids, equipment, new housing, transportation, etc," the fundraiser description reads.
Family Remains Hopeful Despite Devastating Injuries
The GoFundMe page explained that the quick actions of Mayer's friend, first responders, and surgeons helped save her life following the devastating accident.
"She is currently healing from a severe spinal cord injury, fractured vertebrae and broken and bruised ribs," the description states. "Her lower body is currently paralyzed, but some pins-and-needles-type sensation is beginning to return to her legs and feet."
"The road ahead will be long as she moves through the stages of recovery, physical therapy, and adjusts to a new normal."
Andy Mayer also shared that doctors determined his daughter's spinal cord was not fully severed. This has given the family hope that her condition could improve over time.
"She's paralyzed from the waist down. Time will tell," he said. "I'm hopeful. She's hopeful. She's going to work hard on her recovery."
He added that doctors discovered internal bleeding and later treated a blood clot. While surgeons also fused several of her spinal discs together.
Despite the life-changing injuries, Andy said his daughter has remained remarkably positive throughout the ordeal and has "been kind to everyone" despite being in severe pain.
