Isha Sharma
Former nurse Thalita Teixeira Padilla, struck by lightning in 2023, has been discharged after a year in hospitals. Her remarkable recovery journey has her walking again, and she describes the experience as being “born again.”
Nurse Struck by Lightning Rebuilds Life After Year-Long Recovery
Thalita Teixeira Padilla, a nurse who was struck by lightning while walking her dog in Boston last fall, is finally rebuilding her life after a year spent recovering in hospitals.
The 2023 incident left her critically injured, but her determination and the efforts of medical professionals have brought her back to health, enabling her to take the first steps toward a fresh start.
The incident occurred on September 9, 2023, when Padilla was struck on a Boston beach.
She was thrown into the air and suffered severe burns, nerve damage, and a spinal cord injury.
A nearby nurse rushed to assist her, and Padilla was taken to Boston Medical Center in critical condition.
After spending several weeks on the brink of life, Padilla was transferred to Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital, where she began her long road to recovery.
A Remarkable Recovery Journey
In October, Padilla arrived at Spaulding, unable to walk independently. However, through the guidance of her physical therapist, Norah Sweeney, she made incredible progress.
Over time, Padilla regained her ability to walk with a walker and gradually began walking on her own.
Sweeney described her as “incredible to work with” and praised her hard work and perseverance throughout the recovery process.
Padilla reached a major turning point two months ago when she noticed a decrease in pain, allowing her to move more freely.
She described the feeling as a “lightbulb moment” when her body started to heal faster.
Looking Toward the Future
Now, Padilla is discharged and ready to resume her life. She plans to move to Connecticut and hopes to return to work as a nurse in the near future.
Reflecting on her experience, she shared that it feels like being “born again” and starting a new chapter in life.
Padilla’s dog, Bruce, who went missing after the lightning strike, was found and returned to her family, adding a heartwarming touch to her recovery story.
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