I suffered catastrophic injuries after an accident. My recovery was miraculous

On August 31, 2020, I was hit by a car while riding my bike. I had several broken ribs, several vertebral fractures, a grade 5/5 liver injury, two collapsed lungs, and a blood clot near my heart.

On my first night in the hospital, the doctors told me I shouldn’t have survived. I remember lying in bed wondering what my life would be like after this accident.

Finally, the trauma surgeon came into my room and told me, “Despite all these injuries, you will be able to make a full recovery – it is truly a miracle. Most people would have died on impact in an accident like this, and those who didn’t would have died on the way to the hospital. The road to a full recovery will be long, but you are young, strong and healthy enough to handle it.”

I was in the best shape of my life and then I couldn’t take another step. But I survived and I am eternally grateful.

At first, it was a little daunting knowing that I needed other people’s help for everyday tasks like getting up, combing my hair and going to the bathroom. I was used to being strong and independent, but here I felt so vulnerable and helpless.

Standing hurt, but each time it got a little easier. Some days were harder than others, and there were times when I dreaded just sitting in bed. But the day I took my first steps, I realized I was neither vulnerable nor helpless. Slowly, I began to enjoy the challenge. How many steps could I take today? How many times can I get out of bed today?

I could actually see and feel my progress. It was something as simple as walking three steps from my bed to a chair, but I was excited. It was like learning a new skill, which I really enjoyed doing.

Over the next five weeks, I was shuttled between the intensive care unit and the general surgical ward as doctors discovered new problems with my injuries.

During my time there, I underwent numerous surgeries, x-rays and scans and at one point had three drains and a chest tube put in. It was a rollercoaster ride, but I learned to appreciate and celebrate the small victories. What kept me going was the love and support I had around me, from family to friends to social media. Eventually, I was discharged home, where I stayed with my parents in Tahoe.

I was in my third year at UNR at the time, so I dropped out of college and spent the next few months focusing on my recovery. Like everything else, my recovery wasn’t straightforward. Some days I could walk slowly around the neighborhood, other days I could barely get out of bed.

But I knew that no matter what I was feeling at any given moment, I wouldn’t feel like that forever. I was determined to recover, no matter how hard it would be. After several months of working on myself and my strength, I was able to walk again.

A few weeks later, I was allowed to bike and swim again, and just five months after my accident, I was recruited by UNR to do cross country and track and field. This only made me stronger. After graduating from UNR, I started competing in triathlons again. In 2022, I qualified for the XTERRA Triathlon World Championships and earned my elite status.

I love being outdoors and competing in different races, whether it’s a triathlon, running race, open water race, or cycling race. The Life Time Tahoe Trail 100k appealed to me because it’s in my hometown and covers a beautiful course that allows me to challenge myself both physically and mentally. Although I love competing, the main reason I still race is to celebrate all that my body has done and can do for me.

I am currently attending graduate school in occupational therapy at UNLV, a career inspired by everything I have been through. I just completed my first year and am back home for the summer where I am completing my field work at Renown Inpatient Rehabilitation Hospital.

Kate Rye, 24, lives in Incline Village, Nevada. She is studying occupational therapy at UNLV. She swam her freshman year of college at UNLV, ran cross country and track at UNR my third/fourth year, and is currently an elite triathlete with XTERRA. She ran the Tahoe Trail 100k at Life Time Fitness.

All views expressed are those of the author.

Do you have a unique experience or personal story you’d like to share? Read our guide to reader submissions, then email the My Turn team at [email protected].