Car crash survivor from The Bronx turns pain into purpose
Wilson said she is using her personal experience to help other survivors navigate their life changes.
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Car crash survivor Azzura'e Wilson says she is dedicating her life's work to helping other survivors.
At the age of 15, a drunk driver of a tractor-trailer plowed into her vehicle on the New Jersey Turnpike.
Wilson was in the backseat. She ejected from the vehicle. She said the truck dragged her body for half a mile before she was struck by another vehicle.
She recalled her injuries being extensive. She suffered from a broken jaw, neck, spine and leg. He sustained severe head trauma.
Wilson was paralyzed by the crash.
Nearly 13 years later, she uses a wheelchair and is completely independent.
Wilson said she is using her personal experience to help other survivors navigate their life changes.
Wilson remained in the hospital for several months under critical care.
She recalled not having clear guidance or direction once she was sent home from the hospital.
"Once they get out of the hospital, that doesn't mean things stop for them. No... things are actually just start beginning," said Wilson.
In an effort to provide others the guidance and care she never received, Wilson said she is flipping the script to help other survivors.
"The progress that you made can ultimately go downhill without the proper care," said Wilson.
Wilson is traveling to Albany on Wednesday, alongside health advocacy groups, to demand change from Governor Kathy Hochul.
She plans to ask the governor to allocate $1M in the New York State Federal Budget for "Continuum Care." This proposal will provide brain trauma survivors with the support and resources necessary to continue adjusting to their new way of life, post hospital care.
