Paralyzed Holbrook girl transferred to Sacramento hospital

A Holbrook Junction family has returned to Sacramento, Calif. a month after moving away from the city because of gang activity.

On Monday, 16-year-old Leticia Avalos was transferred from Renown Regional Medical Center in Reno to Shriner's Hospital in Sacramento to begin rehabilitation, according to family friend Pam Lino.

"She is paralyzed from the chest down," Lino said. "There's movement in her arms but nothing in her hands."

Leticia's neck was broken July 11 when a commercial 18-wheeler traveling south on Highway 395 ran off the road and crashed through the Holbrook Station Mobile Home Park.

The family had just moved to Holbrook Junction to begin a new, gang-free life.

Leticia and 12-year-old Miranda Luna were sleeping in the rear bedroom of the house when the accident occurred. Their bedroom was sheared off and dragged with the truck until it hit a vacant trailer and stopped.

Rescue workers found Leticia under the debris more than a half an hour after the incident. She was taken by helicopter to Renown.

Miranda received 40 stitches on her face.

The girls' legal guardian, Julia Luna, injured her back.

"We are just waiting to see what happens with Leticia," Lino said. "We are trying to stay positive. It takes time to heal. She has at least six more weeks in a brace."

Lino said the family plans to return to Douglas County.

"They are still without housing and I don't think they've been able to get their personal stuff yet," Lino said. "The are very displaced and have many needs that need to be addressed. It just doesn't stop after a couple of days. It's going to be a long struggle."

A Bank of America account has been set up to assist the family. Make donations to account number 501005883556. Gift cards and furnishings are also needed. Call 266-3516 for more information. Leave your name and number along with a message.

Witnesses to the accident are asked to call Trooper James Farmer at (775) 689-4623.