Local Woman Sustains Severe Spinal Injury In Pool Accident

EAST QUOGUE, NY — Friends and loved ones are joining forces to help a local woman badly injured in a pool accident recently.

A GoFundMe page, "DanaBarrettStrong" has been created by Jamie Perna and has raised $106,703 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.

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

(Patch courtesy photo)

"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's road has been difficult even before the recent tragedy, Perna said.

"In Dana’s 28 years of life, she has been through more than most can comprehend. As many of you reading this already know, she 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."

She added, “God gives his hardest battles to his strongest soldiers. Please help Dana fight this battle."

To donate, click here.

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