Tree Branch Falls On Mission Viejo Nurse While Vacationing In Costa Rica: How To Help

MISSION VIEJO, CA — A South Orange County nurse was seriously injured over Memorial Day weekend while vacationing in Costa Rica, and her family sought the public's help in getting her home Tuesday.

Deanne Niedziela was on a waterfall hike in Costa Rica with her husband when a tree limb fell on her.

She suffered a major spine injury that could leave her paralyzed, read a GoFundMe page set up to help with the costs of getting her back to Orange County.

Niedziela currently oversees the Spine & Neuroscience Institute and Acute Care Service for Mission Hospital, and she has also served in various roles for the hospital including Interim CNO, Director Laguna Beach campus, Critical Care Manager, and Charge nurse.

According to the post, the transport is expected to cost up to $100,000. As of Tuesday, over $71,000 had been raised to help support the nurse.