12-Year-Old Girl Hospitalized in Orlando After Lightning Strike
Sebastian, Fla. – A profound and life-altering incident took place on the Treasure Coast when a young girl from Minnesota was struck by lightning, leaving her future hanging in uncertainty. In the wake of the tragic event, May Sayaxang, a close family friend, made an emotional plea, stating, “We need a miracle, we need hope.” Sayaxang had accompanied 12-year-old Mila Vang and her family to Sebastian Inlet on August 14 to celebrate Mila’s upcoming birthday, blissfully unaware of the fateful turn the day would take. Grief-stricken, Sayaxang commented, “She’s still a young girl, so much ahead of her.”
According to Sayaxang, Mila has remained unconscious at an Orlando hospital for over two weeks now. She revealed that Mila underwent a head operation to alleviate pressure caused by accumulated blood in her brain. On the day of her birthday, medical professionals inserted a tube into her neck to facilitate proper medical procedures. Ironically, Mila was recording a lighthearted video on her phone during the joyous celebrations, unknowingly capturing the horrifying moment when the lightning struck.
Recalling the unfortunate incident, Sayaxang shared that though it was a rainy day, the weather did not appear out of the ordinary. It all happened in an instant, with Sayaxang unaware that the bright flash of light was, in fact, lightning. She mistook her sudden fall to the ground as a result of twisting her ankle. Simultaneously, Sayaxang and Mila’s mother were also knocked down by the powerful strike. Panic ensued when Sayaxang discovered Mila floating face down in the water after the lightning bolt. Desperately, she managed to pull the young girl back to safety, immediately calling for help.
In the midst of chaos, Mila’s 14-year-old brother, Josh, dialed 911 while receiving instructions from emergency responders on performing CPR. When asked about Josh’s demeanor during this critical moment, Sayaxang praised his composure, stating, “He was so focused. He’s so calm, and then they said, ‘do this,’ and then he would do it.”
Family members conveyed devastating news regarding Mila’s condition, stating that doctors confirmed damage to the right hemisphere of her brain. As a consequence, Mila will require a permanent breathing and feeding tube, rendering her unable to utilize her left-side bodily functions, recall memories, process information, or participate in other activities affected by the right-sided brain injury.
Through this harrowing journey, Mila’s mother has tirelessly remained by her daughter’s side, putting her career on hold indefinitely. Sayaxang shared, “She stayed there in the hospital for so long that she no longer has her job.” However, there is a glimmer of hope as doctors have reported positive vital signs on Mila’s monitor.
The road to recovery will be arduous, as Mila is expected to remain hospitalized for the next two to three months. The community has rallied around the family, offering support during this trying time. If you wish to contribute, you can visit the family’s GoFundMe page to make a donation.
In the face of this heart-wrenching tragedy, Mila’s plight serves as a stark reminder of the fragility of life and the immense resilience of the human spirit. As the community sends heartfelt prayers and well-wishes to Mila and her family, hope remains a beacon in the darkest of times.
