Outpouring Of Support Swells For Woman With Severe Spinal Injury

EAST QUOGUE, NY — The outpouring of support continues to swell for a local woman who suffered a severe spinal injury in a June pool accident.

A GoFundMe page, "DanaBarrettStrong" has been created by Jamie Perna and has raised $301,961 of its $500,000 goal.

Dana Barrett, born and raised in East Quogue, suffered a severe spinal injury in the accident on June 30, the page said. After being airlifted to Stony Brook University Hospital it was determined she suffered a C2 fracture, resulting in paralysis from the neck down and the inability to breathe on her own, the page said.

(Patch courtesy photo)

She was airlifted from the Hampton Bays High School ball field after the crash.

"Surgery is imminent to repair the fracture but her spinal cord has been permanently damaged. The doctors have said there is still hope but she will need extensive rehabilitation," Perna wrote. "The rehabilitation is going to be a considerable financial burden, as early estimations that have been given to her family are thousands of dollars per day. The road to recovery will take years."

The young woman faced obstacles even before the recent tragedy, Perna said.

Dana lost her father when she was 16 and her mother when she was 21 years old. "Despite this, she has always held her head high and has amazed her friends and family with her strength and selflessness. With every trial she has faced, she has always come out stronger. Dana will physically fight this; however, she needs whatever help you can give to assist with her medical expenses which are rapidly accumulating. God gives his hardest battles to his strongest soldiers. Please help Dana fight this battle. #DANASTRONG," the page said.

In recent updates, Perna said a vollyball tournament will be held on Sept. 8 at Tiana Beach in Hampton Bays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. "What better way to raise money for Dana than to pretend we are all as good as her in volleyball?" she wrote, adding that participants will "bump, set, and spike for our girl."

For additional information on the volleyball tournament, click here.

A recent update contained "great news" about Dana's recovery. "Dana's rehab at Mount Sinai has begun and she's had a few very successful days," Perna said. "She now has her voice back and she passed her swallow test! She can now eat and drink for the first time in one month. Her first requests were a blue Gatorade and a chicken parmesan panini. She then ordered a multi-course meal for dinner! That's our girl. The next huge step is to work on getting her off the ventilator and breathing on her own."

In addition, "The Dana Barrett Supplemental Needs Trust" has been created to receive funds that have been and will be raised through the GoFundMe page; Dana's two aunts —sisters of her mom, Lisa — Susan Small and Pam Carroll are co-trustees.

"They will be in charge of managing the funds for Dana through the trust. The trust has been created to supplement the care, maintenance, support and education of Dana. In the unlikely event any funds are not used for Dana's benefit, they shall be distributed to one or more charitable organizations that provide support, funding for cure research, knowledge and educational programs for people living with paralysis and their caregivers," Perna said.

Dana, the page said, loves cards, letters and photos. "She truly enjoys reading and listening to everyone's words of love and encouragement."

Please send mail to Dana Barrett c/o Susan Small, 33 Squiretown Road, Hampton Bays, NY. 11946.

"In addition to #DANASTRONG, 'love, hope, work' is the motto for our girl. Thank you all so much! It is go time for our Dana!"

To donate, click here.

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