Teen Wasn't Given Much of a Chance to Live After Car Crash, But Now Celebrating Her 16th Birthday

On December 21, 2023, 14-year-old Brilea Southard arrived at Riley Hospital For Children on a Lifeline helicopter. She and her family had been in a horrible car accident. They had been out looking at Christmas lights the night before when a 17-year-old impaired driver crossed the line and hit them head-on.

Brilea was in the middle seat with her mom when the accident occurred. She was critically injured but didn’t know how severely at first. She was actually the one who called 911.

Brilea Had an Aortic Dissection From the Accident

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However, she suffered an aortic dissection from the accident, which according to the Mayo Clinic, “is a serious condition in which a tear occurs in the inner layer of the body's main artery (aorta).” She also suffered from broken bones and crushing injuries to her abdomen. Her family members also sustained injuries and were even hospitalized, but her injuries were the most serious.

Brilea went on to have more than 25 surgeries. “She had like a 4 percent chance of surviving, but by the grace of God and Dr. Burns, here she is,” Faith, Brilea’s sister shared. She was not in the car at the time of the accident and has been by her sister’s side this whole time.

Over 400 days later, the teenager celebrated a remarkable milestone: turning 16. Brilea tuned in to watch happy birthday messages from friends and classmates. “I just feel very blessed that I have the support that I do,” she shared.

The Hospital Set Up a Party to Celebrate her 16th Birthday

The hospital set up her party in one of the conference rooms, complete with decorations, presents, and people who have helped and supported her along the way. And what a special day that was for her.

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Over the last 400-plus days, she has worked hard to get to where she is. Initially, they thought she might lose both of her legs, and she hasn’t been able to eat solid food since May. Along with all the surgeries, it has been a lot.

“I keep saying it’s like a thin grey line of this or that,” her mom shares. “Or a roller coaster I never asked to be on, and I want off of.”

Brilea is a Fighter

Despite all these challenges, the 16-year-old is a fighter. She started walking on her own and practicing her color guard routine. She is a dancer and hopes she can get back to the color guard at school. “My riffle from color guard, I have it up here, so the fact that I’m still able to do that when they didn’t even think I’d be able to stand, well, even walk, that is a miracle,” she says.

And yes, that definitely is. WRTV Indianapolis shared that Brilea’s catchphrase is “But God…” because she wouldn’t be here without a lot of prayers. What a good reminder for all of us to remember to pray and depend on God through it all, no matter what we are going through.

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“He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak.” - Isaiah 40:29

WATCH: Teenager in Hospital For Over 400 Days Celebrates 16th Birthday

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h/t: Riley Children’s Health

Featured Image Credit: YouTube/WRTV Indianapolis