The two pedestrians who were buried under a pile of rocks in a recent truck accident at the foot of the Libramiento are still facing a prolonged process of recovery from their injuries and daunting financial issues.
On the morning of Sunday, November 26, Polly Katrina Vale and Alexis Steinkamp were standing on the sidewalk outside the Walmart parking lot ready to cross the highway when an out-of-control 16-ton cargo truck flipped over while turning left off the bypass, spilling its load of rocks on top of them. First responders arriving at the scene extracted the severely wounded women from the debris and rushed them to the nearby Ribera Medical Center hospital for emergency attention.
Four weeks later, Polly has remained in hospital care for treatment of her multiple injuries. Full recovery will entail months of rehabilitation, physical therapy and eventual reconstructive surgery.
Alexis, who fortunately sustained less severe injuries, is now out of rehab and recovering at home in Ajijic, although still physically and emotionally bruised from the traumatic incident.
Friends of the pair have outlined the procedures Polly has endured to date: surgery for a fractured femur and cure for deep lacerations in the lower leg; five preliminary cleansings of tissue damage from rocks embedded in her other leg to prepare for future skin grafts; four blood transfusions required for low hemoglobin levels, and care for a concussion that aggravated her condition.
Polly likewise faces a significant financial impact from the accident. Hospital expenses must be paid upfront and on an ongoing basis as medical procedures are carried out. Reconstruction treatments are expected to continue for six to 18 months. Rehab costs must be covered over an estimated period of three to six months. She needs to pay for legal representation for pursuing insurance claims against the trucking company, with uncertain outcomes. Her insurance does not fully cover her expenses.
In addition, Polly is burdened with loss of income as she will be unable to work during her recovery. An experienced massage therapist who has resided at lakeside for seven years, she was on the verge of taking up a new job opportunity in Puerto Vallarta when the accident occurred. She has also been forced to suspend teaching local English classes.
Although Polly is on the mend with great support from friends who appreciate her caring nature and vibrant spirit, she still needs extra help in overcoming a major health crisis. A caring and generous community is encouraged to pitch in with contributions to the https://gofund.me/164cc3c0 account.
Polly Katrina Vale has undergone extensive hospital treatment over the past month. Doctors expected she would be ready for transfer to a rehabilitation facility before the end of this week.