As most students slept on the morning of Sunday, Oct. 29, University of Tampa freshman Natasha Sackett fought for her life after a car hit her scooter on Kennedy Boulevard in front of UT.
Now four months after her accident, Sackett is still battling. The accident left her with two severe breaks in one leg, a brain injury, substantial facial fractures and a lacerated liver. She was released from Tampa General Hospital in January.
Her mother, Veronica Opladen, says her daughter is well on her way to a promising recovery. ‘She’s continuing her rehabilitation and doing great,’ said Opladen. ‘[We] have a long road ahead of us, but she’s doing well with it.’
Her rehabilitation process consists of physical therapy, speech therapy and cognitive rehabilitation necessitated by the brain injury. Sackett will soon head to New York where she will finish her therapy while temporarily living with her father.
Prior to living in Italy for seven years, she and her mother lived in Riverview, just east of Tampa. Since the accident they have been renting out a Tampa apartment.
Sackett said UT helped the family greatly. On Nov. 7 a blood drive in front of John Sykes collected 73 units of blood for Tampa General.
‘I think the blood drive in honor of [her] came across very well. It was a very good turn out,’ said Opladen. ‘Our whole situation has truly been a miracle.’
Due to the excessive amounts of blood that Sackett used from Tampa General, the family wanted a blood drive to be held to replenish the blood shortage – that way there would be enough for those who still needed blood.
Sackett still hopes that one day she will be able to re-attend UT.
‘The main concern for her future at the moment is taking it a day at a time. Her wishes are to come back to UT, but she has to finish her rehab. Then we will see what her future holds,’ said Opladen. ‘However, [she] does want everyone to know that she is working hard, recovering well, grateful to the community and missing her friends.’
Opladen wanted to give a special thanks to Dr. Rod J. Plowman, vice president of administration services, President Vaughn, Jim Lennon and all the paramedics and doctors.
‘[She] wouldn’t be with us today without their help.’
OTHER SACKETT STORIES FROM THE MINARET’S ONLINE ARCHIVE (Click on Headlines to See Entire Story)
Sackett Recovering From Scooter Accident
By: Josh Kratovil 1/26/07 — Just over three months after Natasha Sackett was put in the hospital, her mother made the final entry into the blog she’s been keeping ever since the accident. The blog has been a source of information and hope for family and friends of Sackett since her accident.
‘She has a great love of life’
Natasha Sackett’s mother opens up, thanks UT
By: Charlie Hambos 12/1/06 — Natasha Sackett’s mother went public for the first time last week, adding personality and life to a name that many students had associated only with a near fatal scooter accident. Veronica Opladen sat in a Tampa General Hospital press conference (Nov. 28) holding her daughter’s photo album, which had given her so much comfort during the month since her daughter’s accident.
Jersey and Prayers Inspire Soccer Team
By: Andy Sullivan 11/17/06 — There have been a lot of consistent sights from the Lady Spartan’s playoff run. Freshman standout Jocelyn Charette has scored goals in bunches. Goalkeeper Shannon Aitken continues to rack up the shutouts. Forward Samantha Robinson remains a playmaker and sets up scoring opportunities for her teammates.
UT Rallies To Support Fellow Spartan
11/10/06 — Natasha Sackett is continuing the fight for her life, according to Florida Blood Services. And UT students are doing their part to help her survive. UT students, faculty and staff came together to donate 73 units of blood in order to help Freshman Natasha Sackett, who was critically injured in an accident on Kennedy Blvd.
Kennedy Scooter Crash Leaves Freshman in Critical Condition
By Josh Kratovil — A freshman was ejected from her scooter Sunday, Oct. 29 when she collided with a car turning in front of her on Kennedy Blvd. near Plant Hall. She was critically injured and was transported to Tampa General Hospital shortly thereafter. As of press time, Sackett’s condition remained critical.
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