LEXINGTON, Ky. (WKYT) – Final September, WKYT’s Amber Philpott introduced you the story of a Russell Springs girl who survived a horrible boating accident on Lake Cumberland on Labor Day weekend.

Maria Fuentes was saved, because of a thriller kayaker who she has since met.

Within the final yr, Fuentes has needed to overcome the lack of a leg, but in addition got down to put a brand new foot ahead and use a horrible accident to chase a dream of serving to others.

At 32, Fuentes is again within the classroom. The mom of three works in the course of the day and attends Somerset Group Faculty at evening.

To her instructors, Fuentes is a mannequin pupil.

“Maria is available in on a regular basis with a smile on her face, simply a lot power,” mentioned Tamara Eastham, an affiliate professor.

In January, Fuentes enrolled in nursing college simply 4 months after we first met her and shared her harrowing story of shedding a leg whereas boating with buddies at Lake Cumberland.

Since that point, rather a lot has modified for Fuentes.

“Mentally I’m additionally in place. I really feel like then I used to be, I had numerous help however there was nonetheless numerous issues I used to be not sure about,” mentioned Fuentes.

Fuentes was decided to not let what occurred to her sluggish her down.

She was in a position to get a prosthetic proper earlier than the brand new yr and it was a recreation changer in returning to a extra regular life.

“I used to be so excited the primary time I used to be in a position to put on heels, it simply helped like my shallowness simply to have the ability to put on heels and really feel fairly,” mentioned Fuentes.

Life in these early days after the accident felt unsteady, however Fuentes got down to learn to stroll once more. She bought again to doing the issues she beloved, like aerial silks, figuring out and touring.

Every new step was an thrilling transfer ahead.

“Every little child step that I take is such a giant accomplishment for me,” mentioned Fuentes.

Fuentes made a bucket listing of things she and her new leg would deal with and he or she has slowly been crossing them off. She has returned to the lake—not gone out on the water—however made peace with what occurred.

And maybe probably the most significant second, she met her hero, the Ohio man who saved her life.

“Simply the truth that I used to be in a position to see him and personally thank him for all the pieces that he did that day, it was simply superb and we really we nonetheless maintain in touch,” mentioned Fuentes.

For Fuentes, going to school was one thing she was able to stroll into. Her accident left her with a brand new appreciation for what the career entails.

“After the accident I needed to succeed in out to others, and what a greater manner than to be a nurse and be capable of assist others that could be in an identical scenario,” mentioned Fuentes.

Her instructors see her dedication every day and are effectively conscious of the type of nurse she could be.

“When she had the accident she instructed God that if she have been to outlive that and will assist only one particular person, it might be definitely worth the trauma, and I’m positive she that she goes to succeed in multiple particular person,” mentioned Eastham.

As a result of to Fuentes, being a nurse means utilizing her personal story and strolling a tough path to someday encourage these she cares for.

“Issues occur and I do know everyone is confronted with completely different conditions, however we simply bought to maneuver ahead even when we simply take it a day at a time,” mentioned Fuentes.

Maria is in good firm in terms of nursing college students. Her program at Somerset Group Faculty was simply named primary in Kentucky by NursingProcess.org.

Maria remains to be elevating cash to assist pay for her prosthetic leg. She did obtain assist by way of insurance coverage, but in addition has to pay out of pocket. If you need to assist donate you’ll be able to ship donations to:

Venmo @mfuentes9

Paypal- mfuentes9@outlook.com

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