Mariah Bugge

This story was written by Mariah:

I remember looking up and seeing headlights coming at me.  Out of instinct, I tried to run from the headlights.  I don’t remember anything until I heard someone calling my name and a light in my face.  From what people told me, I was hit by the driver’s side of a van and the van proceeded to run over me.  

I was taken by ambulance to the emergency room.  Here they assessed my injuries and determined I needed to see a Pediatric Neurologist.  They told me that I had a severe injury to my lower back along with other injuries.  I was transported by ambulance to the Sanford Children’s Hospital in Fargo, ND.  I was met by a team of doctors and nurses.  Everyone in the room took their time to explain to me what they were going to do and gave me time to prepare for what was going to happen.  Every movement and touch would bring pain and tears.  After several hours of tests (x-rays, CAT scan, MRI, blood work), 100’s of questions and stitches, I was finally able to go to my room. 

When I got to my room the nurses were kind.  They made sure I was comfortable and tried to help manage my pain.  Child Life gave me a fleece blanket. It was soft to snuggle with and kept me warm.  I didn’t realize how important the simple things are.   That blanket was with me the entire stay and I still use it today. 

By early morning all my test results came back.  I had a L2 vertebrae pedicle fracture and a L3 vertebrae burst, a retropulsion canal compromise, a broken fibula, dislocated toe, broken foot, injured ankle, deep laceration to my left leg and multiple abrasion and contusions.  I was scheduled for surgery the next morning to fuse my vertebra. All day I laid in my hospital room in pain and fearful of what might happen.  Child Life came in my room a few times throughout the day to see if there was anything that I needed or wanted to help take my mind off the unknowns. 

At 7am I was being prepped for surgery.   During my surgery the Pediatric Neurosurgeon used screws, rods and a cross linker to fuse T12 to L5.  After surgery I was pretty sleeping. The doctor told me that they wanted me up the next day.  I feared the pain, but I was ready to begin the healing process.  The next day I was still weak and tired. During the surgery I lost a lot of blood and now I needed a blood transfusion.  The best thing happened that day, I was visited by a Yorkie.  For those that know me, I love animals.   That dog brought me so much happiness and the timing couldn’t have been better. 

Finally, I was strong enough to try to stand.  I can’t lie, it was very painful, but I was so determined to stand.  It took a team of people to get all my equipment on.  When I stood up I broke down in tears. The physical therapist asked me why I was crying, “does it hurt” I shook my head no, “are you proud of yourself”, I shook my head yes.  The entire room started to cry.  That was the start of my healing process.  I continued to get stronger and more confident to walk. I learned quickly that if I needed to get up I had to give myself 10 minutes because I had to put on my back brace, a knee brace, a boot and get my walker in position. 

During my recovery I was visited by a marathon runner.  He came in and talked to me about strength and courage.  He has an organization where marathon runners donate their ribbons to be given to children. He gave me a marathon medal that a runner in Japan received.  These are the things that make a difference in lives.  The memories of the pain will fade but the memories of individuals encouragement and support will never fade.

The Child Life Center was amazing.  The service dog, marathon runner, the play area for my siblings and so much more.  I was inspired by the kindness of others.  I have been making tie blankets to donate and, in the future, I would like to train a service dog.  I don’t think you truly know how important CMNH is until you have gone through a medial situation.    Thank you to everyone that supports this amazing organization!