After suffering a fractured neck and back, as well as broken ribs, the Mitchell woman injured in Monday’s crash at the intersection of Highway 12 and Provincial Road 210 has something to share.

“I am beyond lucky to have my life, let alone be able to move my limbs,” says Brianna Seewald, “but I know that others might not have that same experience given all the messages I’ve received in the last few days about people that have similar stories. There’s just bound to be another one after me.”

ecause the airbag smoke was filling the car and I couldn’t breathe.”

Amid the panic, a man Seewald only remembers as John entered the back seat of her car and held her head, aware of the need for stillness in the situation. “Honestly, he was such an angel. He said ‘you’re going to be OK, the ambulance is coming, they’re on the way, we’ve already called them and you should take some nice, deep breaths to help slow your breathing down’.”

Brianna's car after the collisionBeing trained as a nurse Seewald was aware something was wrong and what it might be. “I tried to tell him, ‘I’m trying to feel my wrists, but I can’t. My breath is short and shallow. I think I either broke a rib or punctured a lung, and my back hurts so bad I’m sure I’ve broken it somewhere’.”

Seewald says John just kept holding her head and assuring her that help was on the way.

Emergency Medical Services arrived on the scene first and were not able to open the door, so they waited until Fire crews showed up with the Jaws of Life to cut through the heavy materials.

Seewald remained awake through the entire ordeal and recalls when STARS arrived. “They were the most amazing group of people to help me get into the helicopter and they were with me 100% of the way.”

Once recovering at Health Sciences Centre in Winnipeg, Seewald decided to make a Facebook post with the help of her boyfriend Ryan Borkowsky, to alleviate the worries of all those who had been sending her messages of concern. “It was horrendous, and a lot of people had seen the accident knowing who it was,” explains Seewald, “and I just wanted people to know that it was true, but I am so lucky. It could have been much, much worse.”

Asked about the source of her optimism, Seewald does not skip a beat. “I’m a nurse. I’ve seen people come out on the good side of these things. If I was moping or upset about it, that would be no way to lay in this bed. So, knowing that I have tomorrow, and I lived through this, and how lucky I was, that’s what’s getting me through this.”

Seewald immediately attributes her support group to that which is spurring her on. “I have an amazing boyfriend who hasn’t left my side, an amazing family, and an amazing work family who checks on me every day. I have so much support behind me that I know I’m going to be leaving this place walking.”

Brianna recovering at Health Sciences CentreConsidering the circumstances of her condition, she offers her thoughts on the intersection of the accident. “It would be amazing if lights could be put there,” offers Seewald who is aware that the idea has been passed on before. “That seems like a really busy intersection. Lots of people travel to and from work and lots of people go home to Steinbach. Different signage? I don’t know, but something has to change.”

Seewald explains that the broken bones will heal in somewhere between 6 to 12 weeks and shares her excitement with already having stood on her own, even if only for a few seconds. “Today was a huge victory being able to have the use of my legs.”

Her gratitude for life and love is overwhelming when asked if there is anything more of her story to share.

“I just want to thank John and any of the bystanders that were there. I don’t know how I will be able to reach out to him, but he was an angel sent to me that day. He kept me calm, and I will never be able to thank him enough. I want to thank STARS for being so calm and diligent in their work, and just everyone who has reached out to me, for all their love and support. I wouldn’t be able to keep getting through this without them.”