Alisa's Story - 24/7 Trauma - Nebraska Medicine

They had plans. Big plans. But, sometimes plans don't always work out. For 18-year-old Alisa Robertson and her friend, 19-year-old Sarah Bryhan that's exactly what happened.
"We have a lot of really good memories together," says Alisa. "I have a lot of things to hold on to."
The two met at school. They were both taking classes at Bellevue Master's Commission, a leadership program through the Bellevue Christian Center. They were big dreamers, who wanted to make a difference in the world. In early 2014, they had their chance, as they embarked on a mission trip to Haiti.
"We did a lot with the orphanages," remembers Alisa. "Sarah loved all the kids that were there. We painted houses, packaged meals and really poured ourselves out, just sharing the love of Jesus. "
After spending eight days in Haiti, the girls returned home to finish their classes. On May 16, they loaded up Sarah's car and started driving to Alisa's house. Around 12:30 p.m., Sarah stopped at an intersection, then turned left. A semi was coming their way.
"I remember seeing it come, and then waking up inside the car," describes Alisa. "The semi pushed us into the other lane of traffic, then into the guardrail, which went through the floorboard of Sarah's car and into the back window. The guardrail was basically holding the car around my body so I wouldn't get crushed."
The guardrail sliced Alisa's leg, cutting an artery and chipping the bone. She also suffered a broken cheekbone and stretched ligaments in her neck.
"From the looks of the accident and the injuries I have, it's incredible that I'm even alive," says Alisa. "It took rescuers 45 minutes to get me out of the car, two Jaws of Life, 13 men and three different departments. They never gave up."
Alisa could hear Sarah breathing next to her, but unfortunately, Sarah's injuries were much worse. She died at the scene of the accident. Alisa was flown to The Nebraska Medical Center in critical condition. The hospital's trauma team was prepared to provide the highest level of care.
"I had surgery on my leg the night of the accident," explains Alisa. "There was this nurse that stayed with me for two hours, even though her shift was over. Her name was Mary. I felt really safe, which is what I needed."
A few weeks later, Alisa had surgery to repair her cheekbone. She still wears a brace around her neck and will be in a wheelchair for a few more months. Overall, doctors are very pleased with her progress.
"I'm glad that I got to experience what I experienced at the med center and not anywhere else. There were a lot of people who were really good to me."
As for the future, Alisa plans to go back to school in the fall, working towards her bachelor's degree in counseling. She wants to help other girls who are going through difficult times.
"Sometimes there are questions that have no answers and you have to be okay with it. Down the road, later in your life, those questions will be answered," assures Alisa. "I think about Sarah every day, but God has comforted me in a way that I know I'll be okay. I have an incredible story to tell people. I'm really excited about it."
For more information about the hospital's trauma center, visit www.nebraskamed.com/comprehensive-trauma-center. Trauma is 24/7. Nebraska Medicine's trauma team is prepared to handle any injury, at any time, for any age.
(Accident photos are courtesy of KFAB and the Douglas County Sheriff's Department.)