Carolina Alcalde: DC Storms Damage More Than Power Lines
From Rachel Nania. Check out her blog, Sear, Simmer & Stir. Follow Nania on Twitter @rnania, email her at rachel[AT]borderstan.com
The site of the accident on 15th Street NW next to Meridian Hill Park where Carolina Alcalde was injured. (Courtesy of Alcalde Facebook Group)
DC Storms this past weekend left more than just closed roads, cable-less apartments and powerless homes; this summer storm affected lives. And one such life affected was Carolina Alcalde — an Adams Morgan neighbor and active member of the community, according a friend, Victoria Fulkerson. While riding her motorcycle home from a massage in Virginia on June 29, Alcalde was hit by a falling pine tree on 15th Street NW next to Meridian Hill Park and knocked off her bike.
Neighbors immediately rushed to her side and flagged down a passing ambulance in the midst of the city’s storm. Alcalde was rushed to George Washington Hospital, but was diagnosed with a severed spinal cord and was left paralyzed from the midsection down.
If you want to donate to help with Alcalde’s recovery, please visit the donation site that Alcalde’s friends and family set up. You an also get more information about Alcalde’s recovery at an open Facebook Group.
How to Help Alcalde
Doctors placed two rods and numerous screws in Alcalde’s spine for support, but she still has five broken ribs, a fractured shoulder blade, slight bleeding in her brain, and trauma to her lungs, causing bleeding. She will now require assistance with breathing.
“Carolina is very active in the community and participates on many boards and leadership committees that positively contribute the lives of DC residents. She is an avid motorcyclist as well as a wonderful and strong person that has more love and warmth than anyone you’ll ever meet,” according to Fulkerson.
Alcalde’s injuries will require recovery in the Intensive Care Unit, in addition to time spent in physical rehabilitation. Due to the exorbitant costs, Alcalde’s friends and family are seeking contributions to her medical bills. If you want to donate to help with Alcalde’s recovery, please visit the donation site that Alcalde’s friends and family set up.
You an also get more information about Alcalde’s recovery at an open Facebook Group.
