Months after being hit by an ATV, Helen Anthony returns to PVD City Council
Providence City Councilwoman Helen Anthony is returning to work after an ATV driver hit her in June while she was on a trip to California.
Anthony attended Thursday night's City Council meeting and took questions from reporters. This marked her first public appearance since the accident that left her in critical condition at Natividad Hospital in Salinas.
Anthony was greeted by a standing ovation in the council chambers and received flowers from council President Rachel Miller. In a prepared statement, she recounted her harrowing ordeal:
"On June 10 I was in a crosswalk in a state park in California when I was run over by a park maintenance vehicle," Anthony said. "I sustained numerous injuries, including breaking 22 ribs and fracturing a vertebrae in my spine, bones in my face, and my jaw in several places. I was in intensive care for 18 days and remained in California for weeks to undergo surgery and rehabilitation."
"Since returning to Rhode Island in July, I have been focused on healing and rebuilding my stamina," she continued. "I was in good health before the accident, and I know that has made a huge difference in my recovery. I am following the guidance of my health care providers as I gradually reenter public life. I am going to take it slow, and I thank you for your patience."
Anthony thanked her Ward 2 community and said she received "hundreds of cards, letters and emails from friends and from strangers, and I will never forget the outpouring of love this community has shown."
The councilwoman said she is resuming her position as Finance Committee chair and is eager to get back to business.
More: Providence Councilwoman Helen Anthony still recovering from serious injuries in California ICU
Crash report said driver accelerated to 'unsafe speed'
A report from the California Highway Patrol said Anthony was struck by an 82-year-old man driving a 2013 Polaris. The report said the man accelerated "to an unsafe speed" when Anthony was in a crosswalk by the entrance to Point Lobos State Natural Reserve. Neither alcohol nor drugs were believed to be factors in the accident.
Since then, Anthony had been recovering, accepting messages from the public via email and allowing her family to release statements on her behalf.
This article originally appeared on The Providence Journal: Providence Councilwoman Helen Anthony returns after ATV accident
