Young Woman Hit By Lightning: 'She Is A Living Miracle'

WOODSTOCK, IL -- Lisa Prehn says her 22-year-old daughter was in the wrong place at the wrong time when she was struck by lightning over the summer while camping with friends at a country music festival in Wisconsin. But since then, a lot of things have gone right — considering the circumstances. Brittney Prehn of Woodstock was released from Loyola Medical Center a month ago to continue her recovery and rehabilitation, mom Lisa Prehn wrote on a GoFundMe page set up to help cover Brittney's mounting medical expenses.

"Brittney still has a long road ahead of her she is definitely a living miracle in progress," Lisa Prehn wrote.

Doctors are amazed she is alive. Everyone is. As for Britney, who still plagued with plenty of medical issues and pain, she is just extremely grateful. Prehn told NBC Chicago that July 20th, the day of the lightning strike at Country Thunder Musical Festival in Twin Lakes, Wis., has changed her entire outlook on life.

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"I see people walk around all upset and miserable," she told NBC Chicago. "You're alive. You're here. You can hear. You can walk. You can see. I don't know. One day you could get hit by lightning and your whole world can be changed."

Prehn has had three brain bleeds and her body is literally twisted from the lightning strike, the Daily Herald said. She said she can only walk for about five to 10 minutes before she is overcome by pain and needs to sit, and dizziness also comes and goes. She has spinal fluid that leaks from her right ear, the right side of her face is partially paralyzed, she is deaf in one ear and only has partial hearing in the other and, sometimes, her vision blurs.

But Prehn has noticed other odd things that have made life easier since the strike. For example, a learning disability that made it difficult for her to comprehend, read and spell has dissipated — in particular, when it comes to spelling, which she can handle much better now, according to the Daily Herald.

Prehn was hit in the head by the lightning while at the Country Thunder Music Festival in Twin Lakes, Wis., on Friday, July 20. The lightning traveled through her body, exiting through her foot, Lisa Prehn wrote on the GoFundMe page.

Brittney was on her phone at the time of the lightning strike, trying to find her friends. That cell phone, doctors say, likely saved her life, according to media reports.

"I got directly hit but the phone took part of the hit and that's why my phone got thrown and there are two holes in the ground," Prehn told reporters this past week, in a press conference held on the Country Thunder festival grounds.

Ways to help

Brittney Prehn is studying to become a special education teacher. Her studies will be put on hold this year as she recovers, according to media reports. She has two sisters, ages 13 and 19 years old, who she actively helps in 4-H, a youth organization that helps children develop citizenship, leadership, responsibility and life skills.

"She has a love for all things outdoors, including fishing, camping, going mudding in her truck, and having bonfires with friends," Lisa Prehn wrote on the GoFundMe page.

When she is not doing something outdoors, you can find her spending time with her sisters and her dog, Dozzer, Lisa Prehn said.

The GoFundMe, set up a month ago, has raised over $17,000 as of Friday morning.

In addition to the online fundraiser, a fundraiser at Red Mill Tavern in Woodstock will be held from 1 to 6 p.m. this Saturday at Red Mill, 1040 Lake Ave. Three bands will play at the event and a $10 donation is requested for those attending to help cover expenses for Prehn.

High Roller Illinois will play at 1 p.m., Red Nek Boys will play at 2:30 p.m. and Time Machine will play at 4:15 p.m. There will also be a raffle.

More via GoFundMe, the Daily Herald and NBC Chicago

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Photo caption: Brittney Prehn/Photo credit: GoFundMe