A woman with two children suffered a severe brain injury after falling 40 feet from a balcony while sleepwalking during a trip to Paris. The incident occurred on April 26 when Raina Heverin, 44, switched rooms with her relatives due to noise disturbances outside her original room. Despite having no memory of the fall, Raina believes she was sleepwalking. She was found unconscious in a courtyard by her family members the next morning, leading to a frantic call for an ambulance with the help of a neighbor.
After being rushed to a hospital, Raina was in a coma for three weeks, sustaining significant injuries including a brain bleed, a punctured lung, a broken hip, arm, and ribs. Doctors credited her physical fitness for aiding in her survival. Following two months of treatment in France and additional care in the UK, Raina was diagnosed with ataxia, impacting her coordination and muscle control. She now faces challenges with balance and experiences tremors in various parts of her body.
Despite these difficulties, Raina remains resilient and has even authored a children’s book to help her kids understand the changes resulting from her brain injury. She has also raised funds for The Brain Charity through a successful walking challenge. Looking ahead, Raina is optimistic about her recovery journey and encourages others undergoing rehabilitation not to lose hope, emphasizing the importance of perseverance through both tough and positive days.