Rising 14-year-old soccer star left paralyzed from chest down after boating accident
A promising soccer star from South Carolina has been left paralyzed from the chest down following a tragic boating accident.
McKenna Woodhead was riding in a boat June 25 with a friend on the waters of Lake Wylie, which borders both North and South Carolina.
The boat then slammed into a retaining wall and both girls were taken to Carolinas Medical Center in Charlotte. A few days after the accident, a doctor revealed the terrible news to McKenna and her family.
“She was given the information … from the neurologist that she will be permanently paralyzed from her chest down,” her mother, Michelle Woodhead, wrote in a group text to friends and family. “But all she talks about since the news is that she can’t play soccer any more — the game she’s trained her whole life for.”
Both Michelle and McKenna’s Twitter accounts are filled with videos of McKenna playing soccer. Michelle even points out that her daughter managed to compete on a select soccer team and still maintain straight A’s in her freshman year of high school.
Sending a shout out to my youngest,Mckenna. 1st yr of High School done. Straight A's taking Honors classes w/ a FT soccer schedule w/ a pretty long commute 4xs a week. Proud of her dedication, attitude, big heart and her go with the flow personality. Reach for the stars kiddo! pic.twitter.com/YoUgIbG9T6
— Michelle Woodhead (@mmmmwcwood) June 7, 2018
https://twitter.com/WoodheadMckenna/status/964286714046017537
The Carolina Rapids have started a GoFundMe on McKenna’s behalf with proceeds going to McKenna’s medical treatment.
“McKenna is part of the Carolina Rapids family, and we will rally around her – and her family – and support them emotionally and financially,” said Rapids executive director Thomas Finlay.
“The days have obviously not been easy,” said Michelle Woodhead, who has remained in contact with the Rapids and continues to field well-wishes on social media.
“I just want to thank you all for being a part of what she loved most and it is most heart-breaking beyond comprehension watching her go through this. She will be at Levine’s Children’s hospital for the next few weeks as we prepare for her to be able to come home.”
The fundraiser had an original goal of $20,000 and that amount was easily met with several people making individual donations of $1,000.
As of Monday evening, the campaign has recieved over $50,000 in donations in just four days and Michelle posted on Twitter at how grateful she is for everyone’s support and prayers.
Moved my sweet Mckenna out of ICU last night. Will be moving to Rehab at Lavine Childrens Hospital for 6 weeks+. It's been a long difficult week. The outpouring support of our friends, family and the community has been so humbling. We are so fortunate to be in your prayers.
— Michelle Woodhead (@mmmmwcwood) June 30, 2018
Michelle Woodhead plans on continuing to update her daughter’s status through her Twitter account and has made the hashtag #McKennaStrong go viral.
You can follow Michelle on Twitter here, and click here to donate to McKenna’s GoFundMe page.
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