Henryville woman saves children, loses legs in tornado - wave3.com-Louisville News, Weather & Sports

Henryville woman saves children, loses legs in tornado

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By Maira Ansari - bio | email

HENRYVILLE, IN (WAVE) - Calling a Henryville woman's story a miracle is an understatement. She lost her legs while saving her children from the March 2 tornado. 

Stephanie Decker lives off of Henryville Otisco Road. When she heard that a tornado was headed her way, she rushed home and took her two children to the basement. 

She wrapped 8-year-old Dominic and 5-year-old Reese in a blanket and used her body as a shield to protect her children as the tornadoes pulverized her home. 

Decker said two tornadoes came through. She was left with several broken ribs, and two steel beams crushed her legs. 

She could barely scream for help and sent her son Dominic to a neighbor's house for aid.

Several neighbors and a Clark County Sheriff's officer rushed to help. Decker was immediately taken to Clark Memorial Hospital and then rushed to University of Louisville Hospital. 

Her injuries were so devastating that both legs had to be amputated.

The house is gone, but Decker is surrounded by everything that is important to her: her children who were left without a scratch.

Stephanie has a long recovery ahead of her. She has surgery again on Thursday and will go through extensive rehab. She said she is confident she will be walking in three months.

The Decker family said it is grateful for all the support it has received from the community.

Copyright 2012 WAVE News. All rights reserved.

 

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