Tears of joy began streaming down Star Sanderson’s face as she emerged from St. Joseph’s Health Care Centre last week. Waiting outside was a crowd of supporters, along with a motorcycle motorcade to escort her home after nearly 19 months in hospitals for injuries she suffered in a 2019 collision.
“It feels like I’m out of jail,” Sanderson said of being released from hospital, noting the entourage was a welcome surprise that made her feel supported as her recovery continues.
“It was loud and rumbly,” she said with a smile, explaining she’s long been a fan of motorcycles and has been a passenger on many.
Sanderson explained she suffered a broken neck and a severed spine during the crash, which saw the vehicle she was driving roll seven times and hit a tree before coming to rest in a ditch. She was taken to Hamilton General Hospital and remained there until she was transferred to St. Joseph’s three months ago in anticipation of being released.
“It was awkward not being able to feel your body,” Sanderson said. “I had friends in the hospital that kind of cheered me on.”
Wellington County OPP confirmed the Nov. 28, 2019 collision involved a stolen vehicle and the driver was alone.
Sanderson hopes eventually she can help others learn from her mistakes.
During her time in hospital, Sanderson took part in rigorous rehabilitation to regain control of as much of her body as possible. She has use of her arms but is confined to a wheelchair and continues to experience muscle spasms.
Now home, she’s visited daily by a nurse and personal support workers who continue physical therapy.
Several renovations were completed at the home of friend Kelly Anne Reinhart, whom Sanderson refers to as “Momma,” where the 28-year-old now lives. A wall was torn down between two bedrooms to create one larger one, various pieces of equipment such as lifts have been installed, as well as ramps.
“She has a heart of gold,” Reinhart said of Sanderson, whom she’s known for about 10 years. “I feel honoured that I can be there for her. I watch her push herself – she’s a strong girl and she’s got a lot to live for.”
Now out of hospital and, though frustrated by the limitations of life during a pandemic, Sanderson is hopeful for the future. She intends to share her experiences with others so they don’t “end up like me.”
Sanderson noted she has a history of drug abuse, though she’s in recovery for that too, and her life has undergone immense change since she said she fell asleep behind the wheel and crashed.
“Her story, we believe, will help others,” said Reinhart. “Once COVID is over, we’re going to start doing (talking with youths).
“With her story, she feels she can make a difference.”
