Unforeseen Danger on a Costa Rica Vacation
A dream vacation nearly became fatal for a California nurse, Deanne Niedzela, after she suffered spinal damage in Costa Rica. Niedzela was hit by a large tree limb that fell from a height of around 100 feet, according to her husband, Ken.
Details of the Incident at La Paz Waterfall Gardens
Niedzela, the executive director of nursing at Providence Mission Hospital in Mission Viejo, was injured during a group tour at the La Paz Waterfall Gardens. Her husband, Ken, detailed the unfortunate incident in a Facebook post, stating that he was just a few feet behind her when the incident occurred, narrowly escaping the falling branch. Following the incident, Niedzela underwent surgery in San Jose, Costa Rica, due to the spinal injury.
Progress Post-Incident and a Message from Deanne Niedzela
Ken updated supporters on Deanne’s condition through a GoFundMe page, revealing that she had started physical therapy and was alert and talking, albeit without feeling from the chest down. Despite the uncertainty surrounding Deanne’s health and return to California, her resilience shines through. As Ken quoted her, “It is what it is. Suck it up. That’s what we have always told our kids.”
Fundraising and Plans for Deanne’s Medical Return to the US
The GoFundMe page aims to raise funds to airlift Deanne back to the United States for further treatment at her place of employment, Providence Mission Hospital. The hospital is actively working with the Niedzela family to bring Deanne back as soon as she is stable enough to travel, with medical air transport costs estimated to be up to $100,000.
Deanne Niedzela: A Vital Member of Providence Mission Hospital
Providence Mission Hospital, in a statement to Fox News Digital, affirmed Deanne’s significance as a vital member of their leadership team. With her three-decade-long contribution to the hospital in various roles, her unexpected situation has caused shockwaves within the institution. Jennifer Cord, Chief Nursing Officer at the hospital, expressed her eagerness to welcome Deanne back home when she’s able to travel safely and recover from the unfortunate accident that turned a trip of a lifetime into a medical emergency.
