Life-changing injury compels Rachael Gardner to inspire, help others cope

A week before her high school graduation in May 2000, Rachael Gardner was floating beside a friend's pontoon boat on a lake in Dayton, Tenn., listening to music blasting.

But when the boat surged forward, Ms. Gardner's body was hit by the boat's propeller, which gashed her right leg in six places and nearly severed her right arm.

Doctors at Erlanger hospital first thought they'd have to amputate the arm, recounted Ms. Gardner, now 27. Numerous surgeries saved her arm, but her motor skills are still impaired.

That accident nine years ago changed her life: Ms. Gardner changed her plans to work as a dental assistant, instead becoming a certified public accountant. The accident also compelled her to overcome an aversion to public speaking so she could share her story.

Ms. Gardner has become close friends with 20-year-old Jessica Hale, who nearly lost her left arm after a car accident last year. Ms. Gardner visited Jessica regularly in the hospital, and they have come to take comfort in each other's shared strength in the midst of pain.

Q How did you react after the accident?

AI was completely calm. I even remember talking to the people in the helicopter (while being airlifted to Erlanger hospital). They kept asking me if I was OK. And I just kept asking if I was going to be able to go to my high school graduation on Friday. I mean, I didn't know what was wrong with me.

QWhat was the hardest part of your recovery?

AAll my friends are going on senior trips, and I'm sitting at home confined to the upstairs of my parents' house. I just told my mom that I wish I had died. That's the only time I ever said that. But it was my one bust.

Q How did you meet Jessica Hale?

AI visited her in the hospital. I brought in my pictures and showed her and her boyfriend, and let her know, "This is how bad I looked, and this is how good it can eventually look." And I think it made her feel better. She calls me with updates and questions. I've just tried to be there to encourage her.

QIs it hard for you to talk about this in public settings?

AIf someone is going to go through the effort to try to contact me, it's meant to be. There's someone who needs to hear something, no matter how uncomfortable I am. ... Every time (I speak,) someone has come up to me in tears and (said) "I needed to hear this today."

Q What's the lesson from your story?

AIt's changed my life completely, but the good things that have come, you know, they're priceless. ... It's just amazing all the things that have happened, and the people that have been touched and who have been able to say, "I can get through what I'm going through today because of what you've shared with me." It was worth it.