‘Every step is a miracle’

It was a struggle for barber Donna Vaughn, 47, to hold a pair of scissors, so clippers were her only option. Then, when her dominant right hand no longer had mobility, she moved to cutting hair with her left hand.

It wasn’t something that happened overnight, but a worsening over many years due to a growth that develops within the supporting cells of the spinal cord called an intramedullary tumor.

Accidental finding

A car accident in 2007 led to the incidental finding of abnormal tissue in her spinal cord.

“The growth of Donna’s tumor inside her cervical spinal cord was putting pressure on the surrounding bundles of nerves,” explained Ricardo Hanel, MD, PhD, neurosurgeon at Baptist Health. “Some people with this problem have few symptoms while others lose control and sensation in their hands and legs.”

Every six months, Vaughn was monitored for changes to the tissue, and after a while, she decided to end the scans. At the end of 2015, she was experiencing excruciating pain that was permeating every aspect of her life. “I was going to a chiropractor and when she couldn’t crack my back, she said, ‘Something is really wrong here. You need to have an MRI,’” Vaughn explained.

She had another MRI.

“I remember the doctors telling me that I had decreased spinal fluid circulating throughout my body, and to my brain. They were shocked I was walking and talking,” said Vaughn. “I remember them telling me that I needed a miracle.”

Vaughn said she lived for years with a hopeless feeling, and doctors who met her were at a loss for what to do.

Hope restored

After her first consult with Dr. Hanel, Vaughn experienced hope she hadn’t felt in a long time.

“Based on Donna’s case, we knew the best bet of her battling the progressive growth of this tumor was to remove it in surgery,” said Dr. Hanel. “It’s a high-risk operation, but continuing to live with the tumor was extremely dangerous, too, and surgery could restore her quality of life.”

Vaughn had to contemplate surgery quickly, as even an unexpected bump on a car ride could lead to lifelong paralysis with this tumor.

“I was scared about surgery, to say the least,” said Vaughn.

Shortly after her appointment, she ran into a neighbor who had seen Vaughn’s movement and health decline over the past few months. Her neighbor, who used to work as a nurse with Dr. Hanel, restored her hope and faith in the process.

“She reassured me that Dr. Hanel was one of the best physicians out there. She made me feel encouraged, and she knew he would take excellent care of me during surgery,” said Vaughn.

Miracle fulfilled

During the five-hour procedure, Dr. Hanel was able to remove the tumor inside her cervical spinal cord, compressing the spinal nerves, and create space around the spinal cord. The procedure is called a laminotomy, during which the neurosurgeon removes the lamina, a bony protective covering at the back of the spinal canal.

Dr. Hanel told her that with her nerves no longer compressed by the tumor, the symptoms and strength on her right side would quickly improve.

After five days recovering in the dedicated Neuro-Intensive Care Unit at Baptist Medical Center Jacksonville, she was transferred to Brooks Rehabilitation.

“At Brooks, I had people I didn’t even know coming to pray over me,” said Vaughn. “Within 21 days, I started to get up and walk. I remember reaching 2,000 steps and even the physical therapist thought it was unbelievable. Every step is a miracle.”

She has continued her recovery, and the Jacksonville Beach native is thrilled to be back on her bike again. Before surgery, she was unable to balance, and now she’s enjoying the ride!

“Even when situations look impossible and there is no hope, there’s always potential for a miracle,” she said. “In my life, this was a miracle. I’m back to biking, kayaking and doing all the things I love. Every day is a gift and I’m in awe of what God did in my life. The perfect surgeon, the perfect timing. It all fell into place.”

Vaughn is now able to use both clippers and scissors (with her right hand!). She’s back on her feet cutting hair for the clients she missed during her recovery, especially one of her favorites, Dr. Hanel.

Lyerly Neurosurgery offers advanced treatment options for those living with conditions of the brain, spine and nervous system. To request an appointment, fill out the form online or call 904.388.6518.