All kinds of things race through your mind following an accident. For Heather Breland it was no different. The Tennessee Valley and surrounding areas experienced a heavy snowfall in January of 2011, which meant that students could enjoy a few days of fun before classes resumed at Chattanooga State Community College. Little did Heather know that January 10 would be forever embedded into her memory.

“I never imagined one day of pure fun would leave me with a lifetime full of constant pain and agony,” recalls Heather. Enjoying the snowfall in the Sequatchie Valley, Heather and a friend were tubing behind an RZR side-by-side vehicle when they were accidently slung into the wheel of 18-wheeler. Heather sustained the brunt of the impact while her body cushioned the friend riding behind her. Crushed, Heather was left with a broken pelvis in five places, two fractured vertebrae, a compressed vertebra, broken tailbone, contusion on her lung, and a few other minor injuries. She would spend 18 days in Erlanger and Siskin hospitals before beginning her long journey to recovery.

Following two surgeries, doctors were able to piece her pelvis back together with three pins. Unable to walk, she was in a wheelchair for a couple months and in a back brace until mid April 2011. As a result of the surgeries, she experienced nerve damage and has a slight drop foot that is characterized by the inability or difficulty in moving the ankle and toes upward. Physical therapy went on for months as well as chiropractic care for the rest of the year.

Dreams about her future career in dental assisting haunted Heather, “The first thing that crossed my mind in the emergency room was, ‘Mrs. Castleberry (ChattState dental assisting director) is going to be so upset with me! What am I going to do about school!’ I was very upset and scared about the fact I might not ever get to finish school, or even walk again! So many terrible things were running through my mind!”

Heather need not have worried about her future career. Having made a positive impression upon her instructor when she first began the program in 2010, Karen Castleberry, director of the ChattState dental assisting program, jumped into action and quickly placed a medical hold on Heather’s file which allowed her to re-enter the program. Closer to home, Heather says Sequatchie/Bledsoe site learning center specialist Patricia Holloway was a “huge” help in making sure her educational plan continued when she was able to return to classes.

“In January of 2012 Heather was readmitted to the program, and despite additional hardships, she graduated in May. She was recognized at ChattState’s ‘Hats Off to Excellence’ as an Eye of the Tiger award winner, for having overcome so much to achieve her goals,” shares Mrs. Castleberry. “She pans to complete advanced certificates next year and will be working for Dr. Jeff Brewer in Dunlap. Heather plans to pursue her AAS degree. Heather has an incredible positive attitude, a spirited personality, and a strong faith. She is driven to succeed, and will be excellent at whatever she attempts. I am proud that she is one of ChattState’s alumni,” Mrs. Castleberry added.

“Heather has truly been an exceptional dental assisting student who has overcome the unfortunate events of her accident. Chattanooga State has a Work Ethic model called W.E. Succeed that consists of four traits: professionalism, teamwork, integrity, and productivity. Under each trait are six indicators in which students can identify. Heather has demonstrated each trait while completing our program. When she’s at school she is always smiling and has a true passion for dentistry. I look forward to watching her grow and continued success in our profession,” said dental assisting instructor Mark Matney.

After having been through so much in her short 20 years, Heather takes life in stride and says, “Life is short, don’t take anything for granted - live every day like it is your last.”