Lakewood Woman Injured in 76 Gas Station Crash Remains Optimistic

Just home from 10 days in the hospital, Mary Healey knows she has a long journey to recover from the distracted-driving crash that pinned her against a gas pump and could still cost her her right leg.

But the 54-year-old secretary has faith that she will heal, and she’s just happy to be home.

She and her family talked with Patch about the July 24 accident at the 76 station at the corner of Bridgeport Way and 108th Street.

(Click here for coverage of the accident, and here for a video of it.)

Healey was with her youngest daughter, Rachael, on their way to church when they ran out of gas. Concerned her daughter would be late to church youth group, Mary Healey's friend gave Rachael a ride.

Healey ended up at the 76 station after a different friend brought her enough gas. That’s when, according to Lakewood police, 23-year-old Yoni Valencia was distracted by his phone in his vehicle while in a heated argument with his mother. He swerved to avoid hitting a stopped car at the intersection of 108th Street and Bridgeport Way around 7:30 p.m. But in the process, he drove over a sidewalk, through a landscaped area, struck a gas pump and then collided with Healey's minivan, which then hit her and pushed her against the pump.

"(Rachael) would've been sitting in the front passenger seat," Healey said. "She would've been seriously injured or she would've been killed."

Healey got help right away from a group of servicemen, who just happened to be at the scene.

Joint Base Lewis-McChord Pfc. Delgado, whose first name wasn’t available, an Army medic, applied a tourniquet. A group of Air Force servicemen helped calm her down, she said. One used a shirt, so she didn't bleed out. It was the most crucial to saving her life and, potentially, her leg.

"The next thing I know, I'm waking up in Harborview Medical Center," Healey said. "I asked ‘Why is Pastor Tom (Nicodemus) here? Why are all my kids here?’”

She spent 10 days in the Seattle hospital and returned home Tuesday. Healey has five pins above and below her injury and a rod keeping it all in place. She suffered severe nerve damage in her foot and leg. One out of three blood vessels is feeding her foot. Doctors removed a metal piece lodged inside her leg from the accident.

Michelle Healey, her 19-year-old daughter, said she was pretty shaken up when told of the accident.

"I was pretty scared, but I was praying the whole time I was driving up there," Michelle Healey said. "It's good she's home."

Despite a fractured rib, cuts and bruises, including a laceration on her nose, Healey has a positive outlook on life. She prays every day and is thankful her body is healing.

"I realize it's going to be a long road but I'm thankful to be home," Healey said. "When you're slammed, slam back."

Friends and family believe her strong will and optimistic attitude will translate into a speedy recovery.

Nicodemus, Healey’s pastor at , has known her since college. He's amazed by how she's dealing with the misfortune.

"She's not a whiner or complainer," he said. "Her attitude has been amazing throughout this."

Healey has received strong support in the hospital and now during her recovery at home.

Jeff Healey, her 17-year-old son, said he feels pretty lucky to see things the way they are now.

"I was up there almost every day helping out," he said. "Since she's been home, I've been helping out a lot around the house."

Limited to a wheelchair, moving around the house has been a big adjustment since returning home, Healey said. But Amp Ramp spent about 90 minutes, family members said, building a simple but effective ramp, so Healey has access to and from her house.

The suspect, meanwhile, who police say tried to run from the scene, has been charged with felony hit and run, vehicular assault and obstructing a police officer. He pleaded not guilty in Pierce County Superior Court and is being held on $100,000 bail.

Because of the accident, Healy is trying to manage steep medical costs. Those who would like to provide financial relief can donate through the Healy Family medical fund at her church.