Local woman recovering from car accident
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Mary Ouellette has spent the last three months working to return to the life she loves in Polson. On Aug. 10, Ouellette sustained life-threatening injuries in a head-on car crash. She was driving on Kerr Dam Road, on her way to a friend’s house.
The driver of the other car involved in the crash was killed.
Ouellette, 61, was transported to Harborview Medical Center in Seattle. According to a press release from the medical center, “almost every bone below her neck was fractured.” She had serious wounds. Upon her arrival, Ouellette’s prospects for survival were bleak.
Since the accident, Ouellette has undergone almost 20 surgeries. She is slowly resuming activities that her injuries prevented. Today she can eat, speak and get out of bed. Her legs are still bandaged. Though the surgeries are over, Ouellette still has rehabilitation to go through before she can return home.
Ouellette credits the staff at Harborville Medical Center with her recovery. “They saved me,” she said.
The Polson community has rallied around Ouellette and her family. An online Facebook fundraiser raised over $23,000 to provide support for her medical expenses. The Mary Ouellette Donation Fund at Whitefish Credit Union is still accepting donations.
“She’s a tough lady that gives back and now I think people are trying to give back to her,” said Susan Gregg of Harborview Medical Center.
