Mother's Dune Buggy Crash Leaves Her Fighting to Walk Again

A family trip to Ocotillo Wells for New Year's celebrations turned into a medical emergency for a San Diego mother-of-three last month. While operating a dune buggy, the vehicle crashed after becoming airborne over a hill, leading to a rollover. The driver, Kalene Bartolone, sustained a critical spine injury and was unable to move.

Emergency services were swiftly called, and Kalene was freed from the wreckage using specialized equipment. She was airlifted to a hospital and diagnosed with a crushed vertebra and pinched spinal cord. A nine-hour surgery was performed on December 30 to address the severe damage. Despite the severity of her injuries, updates in mid-January indicated miraculous progress, with her beginning to take steps.

A GoFundMe campaign has been established by her family and friends to raise $50,000 for her mounting medical bills and ongoing recovery. Kalene, described as strong and cheerful, is currently in inpatient rehabilitation, inspiring many with her determination. Her husband and three children, who were also in the vehicle, escaped without significant injuries.