Unbreakable: ATV accident crushes woman’s body – but not her spirit
Thanks to your gifts, Natasha Best is living independently after a tragic accident nearly ended her life.
The accident occurred in northern Minnesota in July 2022. Natasha, then 23 years old, was riding an ATV with a friend when they lost control. The vehicle shot 20 feet into the air and landed on her chest.
“I couldn’t breathe, and I couldn’t speak,” Natasha recalled. “I kept pointing at my legs, trying to tell my friends that they wouldn’t work.”
She was transported to a hospital where three surgeons operated on her for 16 hours. She awoke to discover she was paralyzed from her waist down and had limited use of her arms. She spent another three months in the hospital and was later placed in a nursing home.
Natasha is now confined to a wheelchair and likely will never walk again. However, she has not allowed her circumstances to dictate her happiness.
“The accident crushed my body – but it didn’t crush my spirit,” Natasha said.
Through physical therapy, Natasha regained full use of her arms and eventually was able to move into an apartment in Alexandria, Minn. However, the apartment was not wheelchair accessible, and her landlord would do nothing to accommodate her.
Not knowing where to turn, Natasha contacted The Salvation Army for help. Despite limited housing opportunities in Alexandria, our caseworker, Shannon Bodeker, found Natasha a more suitable apartment and helped pay the damage deposit and first month’s rent. In addition, Shannon helped Natasha modify the apartment to fit her needs – such as drilling grab bars in the kitchen and bedroom.
“Shannon said she would help me and wouldn’t give up on me,” Natasha recalled. “The Salvation Army and Shannon are my angels.”
Natasha is thankful for people who give to The Salvation Army.
“Back when I could walk, I would donate money to Red Kettles but I didn’t know what The Salvation Army did,” she said. “Now I know. It is incredible.”
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