PLANO, Texas — What began as a relaxing summer afternoon by the pool quickly turned into a life-threatening emergency for Sandy Simpson of Frisco.

On June 16, Simpson was enjoying time with family in her backyard when she fell into the corner of her brick home and a nearby decorative glass accent. The accident left her with a severe leg wound and a 3¼-inch piece of glass lodged in her neck.

Her husband, Mike Simpson, former mayor of Frisco; daughter, Becky Wiltz; and son-in-law Mike Wiltz immediately called City of Frisco 911 and followed the dispatcher’s instructions while waiting for paramedics to arrive.

Mike Simpson held the protruding piece of glass in place as emergency responders carefully stabilized his wife and transported her to Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital Plano, a Level II Trauma Center designated by the Texas Department of State Health Services.

“I truly wasn’t sure she was going to be OK,” Mike Simpson said. “We knew it was serious, but we had no idea just how serious until later.”

A trauma team was waiting at Texas Health Plano. Medical staff surgeons then discovered the glass had threaded between her carotid artery and jugular vein without severing either vessel.

“Sandy’s outcome is a testament to the expertise and dedication of the entire care team,” said Dean Cione, M.D., a surgeon on the medical staff at Texas Health Plano. “We’re grateful she is recovering well and especially honored to hear how supported her family felt throughout their experience.”

Following surgery, she spent time in intensive care before beginning a lengthy recovery that included treatment for her neck injury and leg wound, speech therapy, physical therapy and occupational therapy.

“The doctors were excellent and the nurses were amazing,” said Wiltz, the Simpson’s daughter. “Their kindness, patience and compassion helped us through some very difficult days. They truly brought sunshine on the darkest days.”

Texas Health Plano provides advanced specialty care, including neurosurgery, stroke, heart and vascular, and orthopedic services, for 24 hours a day, seven days a week, to patients across North Texas.

“As a Level II Trauma Center, Texas Health Plano is prepared to provide exceptional care when it matters most,” said Clint Abernathy, hospital president. “Helping improve the health of the people in the communities we serve is at the heart of everything we do.”

Mike Simpson said he hopes sharing the family’s experience will highlight the importance of emergency responders and specialized trauma care.

“When people hear the story, they realize how fortunate we are,” he said.

Sandy Simpson’s recovery continues. She has been discharged from wound care, physical therapy and occupational therapy and is working to rebuild her strength.

“I'm moving slowly, but I’m getting along,” she said. “I feel truly blessed.”