Michigan: Kalamazoo sheriff's deputy recovering after being struck by Jeep in 2012
A Kalamazoo sheriff's deputy is sharing her story after she survived being hit by a Jeep after stopping along the business loop of US-131 to provide assistance to one of the victims.
It happened following a chain reaction crash involving a drunk driver in 2012. 48-year-old Deputy Laura Misner undewent nearly 24 months of physical therapy following a horrific accident in 2012 that claimed the lives of two young people.
Misner was hit by a Jeep that lost control shortly after a drunk driving crash on the same stretch of road. Misner, who is now a finalist for the Governor'S Fitness Award, has an important message for others facing physical challenges. At first glance, you'd have no idea 48-year old deputy Laura Misner suffered serious injuries requiring months of physical therapy in order to be able to walk again after the crash.
"For whatever reason at the last minute, I kind of jumped, and when I jumped it caused the vehicle to hit me and throw me, and I backflipped over the window of the jeep that hit me," she said. Misner suffered a shattered left hip and dislocated femur. It was actually lodged in her backside, requiring two surgeries and months of grueling physical therapy. "It was extremely painful; the most painful thing I've ever been through in my life," she said.
Despite the pain, Misner persevered, determined to return to full time work in law enforcement.
"Being able to bear the weight of putting a gun belt back on, always questioning if able to fully do my job; very fortunate that I am," she said. Misner moved from a wheelchair, to a walker, and finally to crutches, completing a 5K walk just five months after the accident.
Her efforts have not gone unnoticed. She's a finalist for the 2015 Governor's Fitness Award in the category of "Accepting the Challenge," something she did with help from family, friends, and physical therapists. "Great physical therapists that motivate you, and kind of give you the push you need, and I was just bound and determined I was going to come back to work," Misner said. She says gratitude is the key to persevering whatever the challenge.
"Just never give up; we're blessed with the health we have, whether its with a disability or non-disability, we're blessed with what we have." Misner is continuing a rigorous exercise routine to stay strong, running several times a week and lifting weights--and even taking up yoga recently.
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