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It was Friday, August 15, 2008, when Veronica Cianciulli set out for an evening trail ride with a friend, her daughter Emma and her trainer. Feeling quite at home on Daphnie, a sweet 18 year old mare, Veronica began to finally decompress from the long work week behind her and the anticipation of her family vacation in
New Hampshire’s Lakes Region that was to begin the next
morning. After about an hour, fully satisfied by the ride, they returned to the barn.
As she did many times before, Veronica began her dismount, but this time the saddle slipped beneath the horses belly and she was thrown hard to the ground. Very hard. |
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Veronica was taken to the local Emergency Room to have her injury evaluated. Not in much pain, she thought she had simply pulled a muscle in her leg. After 2 hours of X-rays and an MRI, an orthopedic surgeon was called to her bedside. She knew something was seriously wrong. The surgeon told her that she had a tibia plateau fracture and her knee joint was displaced – both being very critical issues. They asked that she see a specialist in Boston, where she had extensive surgery. The surgeon and his team used plates and screws to piece her tibia back into some semblance of order. It was a devastating injury and she spent the next 3 months in a wheelchair, unable to weight-bear even in the slightest.
For many months, intensive physical therapy followed. And it was during that time that her therapist began to
sense that her limited range of motion and constant pain and pressure might greatly improve if the metal surgical components were removed from her leg. In April of 2009, Veronica went in for a second surgery, and her pain and pressure was virtually gone the moment the screws and plates were removed! She walked out of the second surgery the same day with no crutches or cane.
Being a natural artist, beader and crafter – Veronica asked the doctors if she could have the surgical metals.
She knew immediately what she wanted to do:
MAKE JEWELRY USING THEM! Veronica made a bracelet for herself using the pieces that came from her surgery. “It reminds me every day about what is most important in life”, she said. It helps her stop and enjoy a sunny day or play with her daughter instead of doing laundry or cleaning the house.
She created Operation Transformation so that other people could be reminded of just how quickly things in life can change and to appreciate and enjoy all the gifts you have.
On a personal note, I felt very fortunate to have had the team of professionals and great friends by my side for the months after my accident. I could not have gotten through such a difficult time without each and every one of you. I want to thank the amazing team at Beth Israel Deaconess Hospital, the surgical team that put my tibia back together, and the entire nursing staff that was top notch! And to the great Physical Therapists at Woodruff PT in Chester, NH; Jeff, Julie and Beth who made my grueling recovery much more enjoyable. They always made me feel so at home. My hairstylist even came to my home to keep me feeling up-beat and looking great. Thanks Andrea! And of course my family and friends for talking such great care of me and always keeping me focused on getting better. They showed me the true meaning of tough love. I had so many positive people around me that I never had a doubt that I would be back to myself before I knew it. The time went by quickly due to the fact that I was able to work from home and had such a great support system.
I love you John & Emma!! |
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