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Written by Sohana Kutub
Monday, 11 May 2009 11:01 AM
Continuing school is often put on hold when enduring major injuries from a car accident. But for Camea Kirkpatrick a broken back was not going to stand in the way of graduating on time and with honors this semester. The nursing senior was driving home to Keene — a small city near Burleson — on the evening of Jan. 29, 2009. About seven miles from her house, she approached a dead-end intersection when her 2006 Hyundai Tucson slid into a ditch. “It was a country road with no lights that had gravel all over it because of iced roads from the day before,” she said. “When I saw the ‘T’ in the road, I hit the breaks and slid right through the intersection into a ditch that was about 15-16 feet deep, and then my car came to a sudden halt. I felt my back snap, and I knew immediately that I broke my back. I couldn’t move my legs.” Kirkpatrick, 46, said it took about 20-30 minutes before someone came to her rescue. “I was out in the country and it was dark, so nobody saw the accident happen,” she said. “I was scared I was going to pass out from the pain and shock before I got help. I couldn’t move from the waist down, so I couldn’t reach for my cell phone to call for help. The first car that drove by stopped to look but drove away. Finally, when the next car drove by, I waived my hands and flashed my lights and they stopped to help me.” CareFlight transported Kirkpatrick to Texas Health Harris Methodist Hospital Fort Worth. She spent three days in the trauma intensive care unit. She suffered a burst fracture in her lower spine and a bump on the back of her head. “I’m thankful that I didn’t snap my neck,” she said. “They had me immobilized in a neck and back brace and kept me sedated. By the fourth day, I was on the walker, and that’s when they discharged me.” Kirkpatrick had to lay flat on her back for at least eight to 10 weeks at home. Gladys Maryol, Director of Bachelor of Science in Nursing and nursing clinical instructor, said she assumed Kirkpatrick would withdraw from classes due to the nature of her injuries. But Kirkpatrick was persistent to finish out the semester. While lying on her back, she would prop up her knees, place her laptop on them and listen to podcasts of lectures from her nursing classes. “I set my graduation date and I set my eyes on that goal,” Kirkpatrick said. Maryol said Kirkpatrick was able to contribute well to group projects. “She has persisted through all the courses,” Maryol said. “We’ve had to adjust some of our due dates just because she physically has not been able to attend class for those, so the faculty has made some exceptions. But because of her persistence, she will now be able to graduate on time.” Kirkpatrick said she expresses gratitude for the support of her family, friends and the nursing program. “Sometimes I’d sit there and cry and feel discouraged, but then I’d be like, ‘No! I can’t stay like this!’ And then I’d shake it off and get back on track,” she said. “Life’s too much about living, and I’ve got too much to live.” Cynthia Trowbridge, kinesiology assistant professor and Athletic Training Education Program clinical education coordinator, said any back injury is serious and can result in paralysis. “Any back injury is disabling in some way because you’ll have to modify your activities,” she said. “Whether it’s something like not being able to sit down for long periods of time or having trouble bending down to pick up something. It’s a remarkable recovery and she should be very proud of her accomplishments and that she will be able to walk across the stage.” Nathan Kirkpatrick, Kirkpatrick’s 18-year-old son, said his mom gives him the motivation he needs for school. “I’m a college student, and I just started last fall,” he said. “And I see my mom, who’s also a college student, and with her being in her physical condition. I don’t know how she does it — all while keeping her grades up. She’s a big influence on me.” Lisa Kimbell, Kirkpatrick’s friend, said she believes Kirkpatrick’s strong faith in God gets her through everything. “I think Camea is a real example of a determined Godly woman that I’m honored to know,” she said. “I just think she’s a real example to the rest of us who want to give up so easily when things go bad.” Kirkpatrick said that if she could encourage just one person to not give up on their goals, then her experience was worth it. “I’ve decided I’ve just got to do good with whatever circumstances I’m in,” she said. “Joy and happiness comes from your heart. It shouldn’t be determined by your physical circumstances.” Maryol said Kirkpatrick inspires people to not give up on their goals. “When you see someone as committed as Camea is, it makes you look at your own level of commitment at attaining your own goals,” she said. “She inspires people to keep reaching for their goals and to keep growing. She won’t let anything stand in the way of her own goals. If a broken back doesn’t stop you, I don’t know what will. But it didn’t stop her.” news-editor.shorthorn@uta.edu
Last Updated ( Monday, 31 August 2009 03:07 PM )

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