Capital Region Woman Paralyzed By Falling Boulder Stays Positive

A woman who was hit by a falling boulder in Thatcher Park (Voorheesville, NY) and paralyzed last summer is keeping a positive outlook on life.

According to the Times Union, Nancy Ladd Butz was struck by a falling boulder last July in Thatcher Park while hiking along the Indian Ladder Trail and she suffered serious spinal cord and brain injuries. She was in critical condition for 18 days and doctors weren't sure if she was going to pull through. Her name was never released to the media but she recently decided to tell her story. Now a paraplegic, the former English teacher still keeps a positive attitude with a loving family including her daughter Kelsey, son Jeremy, and two small dogs Leo and Sydney. Butz now gets a round with help from a wheelchair and she has a new handicapped accessible apartment in Bethlehem. She has a home health aide that visits daily but she is mostly independent. "I'm thankful my family provides an incredible support system too," she said. Happy to just be outdoors again, her kids recently took her to Jiminy Peak to ski as part of the STRIDE Adaptive Sports Program. She is currently shopping for a custom van with a wheelchair ramp and hand controls.  A lawsuit has been filed alleging negligence on the part of state parks officials and seeking undisclosed damages.

It's a terrible incident that occurred here and it's good to see Nancy Ladd Butz getting around on her own and keeping a positive attitude. We wish her nothing but happiness moving forward.