Meet a Miracle- Jolie
Just a few minutes after her volleyball game on September 11th, Jolie Everson’s life was rattled. While opening the gate to her family’s ranch in Guthrie Texas, Jolie stepped on a round rock, or so she thought. Seconds later a western diamondback struck her left ankle. Jolie screamed.
Quickly her father, Kyle swooped into action and got her back into the vehicle while her mother, Melissa called 911. Emergency dispatch told Melissa the closest hospital, Knox County Hospital, was 30 minutes away and that because they were in such a remote area, they would have to meet them halfway to be transported to the hospital.
With hope, the family rushed to the halfway point. In the meantime, the emergency team learned that the hospital had only three vials of antivenin. Knowing her injury would require more, arrangements were made to airlift Jolie to United Regional, a level II Trauma Children’s Miracle Network hospital.
“I was nervous to go in a helicopter, Jolie said. “It was my first time, but the paramedic Jeremy told me jokes on the way to Wichita Falls and it made me feel a whole lot better.”
The 12 year-old spent the next four days in the pediatric unit at United Regional where she received a total of 28 vials of antivenin. Initially, she had a difficulty walking or bearing weight on her leg because of the swelling, bruising, and redness that occurred. She was eager to return to her athletic lifestyle. “My biggest hurdles right now are gaining strength and energy,” she said.
Jolie’s mom, Melissa, shared with the nursing staff Jolie’s busy schedule saying she is a member of her school’s volleyball, basketball, cheerleading, cross country, and track teams. Though it has been difficult, Jolie has taken her illness, treatments and side effects in stride. She finds strength and resilience through her faith, making it easier for her to live in the moment and conquer any challenge that comes her way.
The Everson family is grateful for the care that Jolie received at United Regional, from their experience in the emergency department to her four days stay in the pediatric unit. Jolie’s inspiring determination makes her the perfect role model for those around her.
Factoid: The western diamondback rattlesnake is brown, has diamond-shaped marking along the middle of the back and alternating black and white rings on the tail. It averages 3 ½ to 4 ½ feet in length and can reach seven feet long. This rattlesnake accounts for nearly all the state’s severe cases of venom poising.