Gina’s Recovery

My name is Mike Mendes, from Wareham, MA, and I started this fundraiser on behalf of my sister Gina.

On Saturday, November 11th Gina was involved in a life-threatening car accident on her way home from work.

First responders on scene quickly realized she was in critical condition, and called for Boston MedFlight. Local police and fire departments used the Jaws-of-Life to extricate her from the car. Boston MedFlight then landed their helicopter on the highway, intubated her, and transported her to Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Boston. Gina was stabilized in the Emergency Department and then transferred to the Trauma Surgical ICU.

By the grace of God, Gina somehow did not sustain any brain, spinal cord, heart, or lung injuries. However, she suffered skull fractures, displaced jawbone fracture, cheekbone fracture, bilateral nose fractures, vertebrae fracture, multiple forearm fractures, facial nerve paralysis, a lacerated liver, and many open wounds. These injuries required extensive facial reconstructive surgery, orthopedic surgery, and countless other procedures. As a result, her mouth is wired shut for the next 4-6 weeks, her arm is splinted, and she has numerous sutures and staples that cover her body.

After a long week of treatment and close follow-up from her care teams (Oral Maxillofacial Surgery, Plastic Surgery, ENT, Orthopedics), Gina was released from the hospital. However, she has a long road to recovery ahead of her.

The money from this fundraiser will go towards her medical bills, home rehab, visiting nursing, prescription medications, nutrition, dental work, follow-up appointments, potential future procedures, and other expenses.

So many people have reached out to help, and we believe this will alleviate the financial burden Gina must overcome from her accident. Regardless of a financial contribution, our family is extremely grateful for everyone’s thoughts, prayers, and support throughout this difficult time. Gina is an amazing young woman, and we want to get her healthy as soon as possible!

Sincerely,

The Mendes Family