Garland on the road to recovery

Trainer Karen Garland, who suffered multiple broken bones in a two-vehicle crash on April 3 in Freehold Township, N.J., reports that her post-accident rehabilitation is going smoothly. 

Garland, who races horses with her partner Steve Smith, is undergoing treatment at HealthSouth Rehabilitation Hospital in Tinton Falls, N.J. 

"I'm getting there,” Garland said, “but I've been in here too long. I have a rod in my left leg because I broke the thighbone. My hip was cracked and I have three pins in there. There's a rod in my left forearm and I broke my right ankle, but from the waist up, I'm all right. In four more weeks, they're going to let me stand. Right now, they don't want to have me put that much weight and pressure on my legs. Not yet anyway.

"The doctors told me that my smaller size and being in shape helps me,” the petite blonde continued. “I can lift up my body weight with my arms. I'm using a wheelchair and they teach you to go up and down the stairs. I have to use my butt, but you get used to it. There is three hours a day of rehab, every day. Sundays, too. No fooling around--they make you stay in shape."

Garland, 44, has campaigned the winners of 694 races and $8.9 million in purses. She posted back-to-back million-dollar seasons in 2007 and 2008. Garland anticipates returning to a lighter schedule in the barn by the end of the summer.

"I might be able to go home next week,” Garland said, “but I have to take it slow. Everyone has been so good to me, calling me and sending me gifts. I have to look at the big picture, getting well and back on my feet. It's going to be well into June before I can stand up again, and not until July before I could even think of going back to work.”

The collision and recovery process have profoundly affected Garland’s perspective on life. 

"You learn to appreciate the little things,” she said, “the things you took for granted. Right now, I'd do anything just to be able to walk across the room. You get a different outlook on life. You have to take advantage of what you have and remember there are those much worse off. As bad as my accident was, it could have been worse. A lot worse. I keep thinking every day is a day closer to recovery. I also remind myself that what I have is fixable. In that regard, I'm fortunate. I look at the bright side, and keep working at getting better. I'm getting there." (Meadowlands) 

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