By By Sheila Blackmon/The Meridian Star
April 15, 2001
Traci Alsup knows life can change drastically in a matter of seconds. Last month, a car accident left her paralyzed from the neck down.
Her parents have been at Jeff Anderson Regional Medical Center for most of the past four weeks. Sitting in the Intensive Care waiting room. Waiting for their daughter's condition to improve.
Alsup is a 33-year-old mother of three 15- and 12-year-old daughters and a 5-year-old son. She is going through a divorce, and has no insurance.
Alsup, who lives in Stonewall, was paralyzed in a one-vehicle accident last month on Interstate 59/20 at the 29th Avenue exit in Meridian.
Alsup's brother was in the car with her, but he has recovered and is back at work, Redmond said.
Before the accident, Alsup had been enrolled in an EMT-certification course for her job at Cuba Timber in Cuba, Ala. She formerly worked as a unit secretary at Jeff Anderson's ICU.
Redmond said she and her husband, Dickey, want to thank everyone praying for their daughter. People have sent flowers and gifts, cards and letters. About $300 has been donated to the fund Redmond established at Bank Plus.
Redmond said contributions may be mailed or hand-delivered to the Traci R. Alsup Medical Fund at any Bank Plus branch. Any amount is appreciated. In addition to hospital costs, Alsup must undergo rehabilitation in Jackson when she is released.
Sheila Blackmon is a staff writer for The Meridian Star. E-mail her at sblackmon@themeridianstar.com.