Dix Hills woman shares story of survival after being hit by drunk driver in 2022
A drunk driver crossed into her lane on Vanderbilt Parkway, hitting Aneeta and her father, head-on. She suffered multiple severe injuries, including a traumatic brain injury. She spent five weeks in a coma and three months in the hospital.
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Dix Hills resident Aneeta Rai was hit by a drunk driver in 2022.
She left work, looking forward to taking her son the park, but that night her life changed forever.
A drunk driver crossed into her lane on Vanderbilt Parkway, hitting Rai and her father, head-on. She suffered multiple severe injuries, including a traumatic brain injury. Rai spent five weeks in a coma and three months in the hospital.
"I had a traumatic brain injury and I had to learn how to walk again, talk again, eat solid food, breathe on my own," says Rai.
Now, she raises awareness for traumatic brain injuries.
"I think people don't realize how common brain injuries are," she says.
Rai, along with others, will be participating in the March on for Brain Injury Walk on Sept. 13 at Eisenhower Park at 10 a.m.
Advocates say it really brings the community together.
"Thousands of New Yorkers sustain a brain injury every day, and there are needed resources for these individuals so they can go back to work," says Barry Dain, BIANYS Board Member and President of Advocate Homecare.
While Rai is continuing to rebuild her life, she says she's so grateful for her family's support.
"It's certainly a challenge, but I'm very grateful to be alive," says Rai.
