Support Chicago boating accident victim.

I never imagined myself that I would be here laying in a hospital bed and typing this message. My name is Lana Batochir and I’m 34 years old, mother of two and a wife to my amazing husband.

On Saturday, August 13th 2022 my life changed forever. My husband and I went on our friend’s boat and we took it out to Chicago Playpen. Attached to our boat was an eight person floating raft, we were all hanging out on it until tragedy struck. A Reckless boat driver reversed into our inflatable raft at full throttle destroying everything in its way.

Everything happened so fast. We were all under his boat within seconds. The boat’s propeller struck me, leaving me with unimaginable pain. I thought I was dying. I fought for my life for seconds which felt like minutes. I began to drown, I couldn’t swim. As soon as I had my head above the water, at a distance I saw my husband’s eyes searching for me in a panic. I would never forget his face of pain. We connected eyes, but I couldn’t stay up, I truly began to drown. I felt myself drifting down like an object, I knew I would die.

My husband truly saved my life when pulled me out of the water to keep me from drowning. As I was getting pulled onto the boat I glanced at my legs and realized that both my legs were gone.

I was rushed in an ambulance to Northwestern Memorial Hospital and have been in care of the healthcare professionals here. I’ve had my initial damage control surgery right away and I was admitted to the Intensive Care Unit post surgery. As of today (8/15/2022) I’m scheduled to have below the knee amputation (BKA) on both legs as well as TMR (targeted muscle reinnervation) nerve surgery.

It still feels like a nightmare. Anyone who knows me knows that I love to dance, love music, and enjoying life itself with family. My life has completely changed because of one unfortunate tragedy.

Even though it feels like the worst thing that happened to me, I still feel very lucky to be alive. I thought i would die. Im grateful I will be able to hug and kiss my kids, my husband, my family, and my friends. I will get through this and come out stronger with my new lifestyle.

It is going to be a long hard journey for me. There’s going to be plenty challenges I will have to endure. Unfortunately I’m one of many people who don’t have health insurance in this country. I’m getting the best care at one of the best Hospitals. Although, I am being told from my doctors that I will be here for a while.

In addition to my lengthy stay at the hospital, I will be in rehab following the surgery for the next few months along with the help of medical professionals and physical therapist. I look forward to be able to walk again with the use of prosthetic legs. I will try my best to continue to have a full life and adjust to my new beginnings.

If you know me and you’re reading this then I can imagine how shocked you must be. Trust me I’m still in shock and trying to cope with it the best way I can.

As I lay here thinking how unfortunate this is, at the same time I feel truly blessed to be alive. I have so much to live for and will do my best to be positive and accept my circumstances. I am extremely grateful to have my husband, who has been right next to me this entire time holding me and consoling me throughout this process . I am also thankful for my friends and family have been here for me and giving me all the support I need.

Why I am writing this:

I am asking for your help, kindness, and support in anyway that you can. No matter how small or big donations will be are immensely appreciated. Even just sharing this link would be deeply appreciated. This tragedy is not going to break me! I am going to be okay but for now I do need your help and support to bring me back on my feet. Literally!

I thank you in advance for your support and kindness.

Lana

 

 

https://www.cbsnews.com/amp/chicago/news/two-women-in-critical-condition-after-boating-accident-at-chicagos-playpen/#app