Austin woman survives neck injury after fall on 6th Street

In June 2022, Norma faced life-altering news: after more than 10 years dealing with cancer, her mom was given one year to live. Norma was struggling. At just 25, she began facing the many challenges that this kind of news brings.

Seeking support, Norma shared her struggles with her friend over cocktails at her apartment. Eventually, to lift their spirits, the two decided to get out of the apartment for a fun night on 6th Street in Austin.

While out at a club, Norma decided to get on the bar to dance, but unfortunately experienced a bad fall. While Norma was able to get up and walk, she immediately knew something was very wrong, particularly with her neck. Norma and her friend called an Uber to take her to the emergency department at Dell Seton Medical Center at The University of Texas.

At the hospital, Norma received urgent x-rays and scans of the spine. Doctors confirmed that she had fractured her neck in a highly unstable pattern. Making matters even more concerning, the fracture was right next to the titanium hardware from a major spine surgery she underwent for scoliosis in childhood. The neurosurgery team on call, led by Dr. Jordan Amadio, attending neurosurgeon at Ascension Seton, acted swiftly to treat Norma in order to prevent a spinal cord injury.

Soon after, Norma was in surgery with Dr. Amadio and his team. During the 6-hour long surgery, it became apparent that Norma’s injury was even worse than the imaging showed, and required a complex spinal stabilization connecting her neck to her thoracic spine.

“I remember asking doctors how close I had come from becoming paralyzed or even dying from my neck injury,” said Norma. “They told me ‘millimeters.’”

Throughout her recovery, Norma was required to wear a removable brace and go to physical therapy. A year later, Norma is mostly recovered, and happy to be alive.

“It took a long time to get to where I am today. This injury shocked my entire body and required a lot of proactive recovery time,” said Norma.

Today, Norma works in events and has been able to get back into the activities she enjoys, even planning to run a marathon in the near future.

“I am an adrenaline junkie,” said Norma. “Travel, hiking and exercise are very important to me, and I am glad to be in a place where I can re-engage with these things.”

Unfortunately, Norma’s mom passed away in October 2022. However, Norma wants to use her experience and her mom’s legacy to help others.

“My mom wanted the best for people,” said Norma. “I hope my story reaches young people who like to enjoy nights out, and encourages them to be safe.”