Valley Center Fire Victim Faces Milestone
Roach Released From Rehabilitation Unit
POSTED: 12:30 pm PST February 10, 2004
UPDATED: 1:32 pm PST February 10, 2004
SAN DIEGO -- More than three months after being burned in last fall's firestorm, a Valley Center girl is finally being released from the hospital, 10News reported.
Allyson Roach, 20, was released Tuesday from the Palomar Medical Center Acute Rehabilitation Unit. She left the rehabilitation unit after only four weeks -- she was expected to be in the unit for at least six weeks.During the Paradise Fire, Roach suffered second- and third-degree burns on 85 percent of her body. Through intense therapy, Roach regained mobility and her ability to speak.Prior to being in the burn unit at Palomar Medical Center, Roach spent 82 days in the University of California, San Diego Burn Unit where she endured numerous skin grafts and the partial loss of all of her fingers.Roach credits her recovery to her family and the Irish community. She thanked everyone for their prayers and donating blood."I don't know why I survived. But, I know that the people around me helped me to get where I am now, and I'm grateful to them for that -- especially my family," Roach said.Roach added that she looks forward to being with her brother, Jason, and her parents.Both Roach and her family suffered tremendous loss, hardship and grief since the October wildfires. Roach's milestone was bittersweet. During the Paradise Fire, Roach's 16-year-old sister, Ashleigh, died. Her family also lost their Valley Center home.According to 10News, Roach faces numerous operations on her hands and face.Roach told 10News that she looks forward to returning to school and being rejoined with her parents and brother.To follow Roach's recovery process or to make a donation, visit www.roachfamily.net.
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