Indiana State Fair Stage Collapse Victim Beats the Odds

Posted May 15th 2012 10:30AM by The Associated Press
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Indiana State Fair stage collapse Jessica Silas, AP

ANDERSON, Ind. (AP) - A central Indiana woman who was one of the most seriously injured victims of last summer's Indiana State Fair stage collapse will return home this month after a rigorous rehabilitation in Indiana and Michigan.

Andrea Vellinga of Pendleton suffered severe head injuries and other trauma when she was struck by stage rigging toppled by high winds just before an Aug. 13 Sugarland concert.

Vellinga has undergone numerous surgeries and rehabilitation in Indianapolis and Michigan and has had to relearn how to walk.

WISH-TV 8's reporter, Adrienne Broaddus reports that a 5K Run and Walk will be held in her honor on May 19 and will mark her 31st birthday, which doctors didn't think she'd live to see.

The race starts at 9 a.m. and begins near First Merchants Bank on State Street in Pendleton, IN. Participants will continue Eastward along State Street towards Falls Park. Trail parks are included in the course as well. The course then makes its way back to State Street and will end in front of Andrea's house!

Registration is $25 (before May 17) and includes an American Apparel T-shirt, specially designed for the race.

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Watch Sugarland Pay Tribute to Indiana State Fair Victims