Severe Storm Changes Cedar Rapids Woman’s Life Forever

By: Claire Kellett, Anchor/Reporter

Tools

By Aaron Hepker

Story Created: Jul 26, 2009 at 7:44 PM CDT

Story Updated: Jul 27, 2009 at 2:50 PM CDT

CEDAR RAPIDS - A severe thunderstorm last month changed the life of one Cedar Rapids woman forever. The family of 49-year-old Laurie Sexton says the woman who is always helping others is now in need of others' help.

Sexton's family says she likes to be busy. She owns Papa's Sports Bar in Hiawatha and is actively involved with the charitable organization the Isle of Iowa Parrot Head Club.

"Always active. Always on the go. Always doing ten things at once, so this is hard for her,” says Laurie’s sister Julie Houston.

And it's hard for Houston and Laurie's daughter Heather Sexton to talk about why she's been at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics for more than a month.

"Just happened to be in the wrong place at the wrong time,” says Houston.

The wrong place was Laurie's own backyard. The wrong time was right before a severe thunderstorm in late June when the wind was really picking up.

"That night she went out to pick flowers for our mother's grave who passed away two years ago,” says Houston.

"A branch came out of the tree and struck her simultaneously in the back of the head and then the top of her back,” says Laurie’s daughter Heather.

"She has a T-3 spinal cord injury. She is paralyzed from the mid-chest down,” says Houston.

"The doctors told us she has a slim to none chance of ever walking again, but miracles can happen,” says Heather Sexton.

Laurie can still move her neck and use her arms. A minor head injury has healed, so her memory is good as new.

"She still has her mind, and she still has her opinions,” says Heather Sexton.

While a tube in her mouth prevents Laurie from talking for now, her family can tell her spirits are usually high. The same can be said for her recovery costs. Which is why Laurie's loved ones are planning three future fundraisers for their "Laurieloo".

"It's not just rehab. It's not just medical bills. It's everything involved in getting life back to normal from a life-changing accident like this,” says Heather Sexton.

Laurie's life-changing accident will change many things in her life, but her family says it won't keep her from leading her busy lifestyle.

Email Claire Follow Claire on Twitter

Next Article Search for Missing Man in Cedar River Will Resume Monday

Conversation Guidelines

Be Kind

Don't use abusive, offensive, threatening, racist, vulgar or sexually-oriented language.
Don't attack someone personally. Keep it civil and be responsible.

Share Knowledge

Be truthful. Share what you know and what you are passionate about.
What more do you want to learn? Keep it simple.

Stay focused

Promote lively and healthy debate. Stay on topic. Ask questions and give feedback on the story's topic.

Report Trouble

Help us maintain a quality comment section by reporting comments that are offensive. If you see a comment that is offensive, or you feel violates our guidelines, simply click on the "x" to the far right of the comment to report it.

read the full guidelines here »

Commenting will be disabled on stories dealing with the following subject matter: Crime, sexual abuse, property fires, automobile accidents, Amber Alerts, Operation Quickfinds and suicides.