As reported here last week, two UMass Lowell women's lacrosse players, Noelle Lambert & Kelly Moran, recently suffered serious injuries in a tragic moped accident in Martha's Vineyard. Both players had to have surgery and Noelle Lambert's leg had to be amputated at the scene before being transported to the hospital. Last week the Eagle Tribune spoke to Noelle’s mother, Judy Lambert, and provided an update on Noelle's condition.
Yesterday the New Hampshire Union Leader did a post on Noelle’s condition and actually spoke to her as well. While Noelle was obviously devastated in the early hours after the crash and is still adjusting to her new life, I was struck by how strong her spirit is and her refusal to let such an unfortunate event keep her down.
Lambert’s leg was amputated near the knee, and she’s still adjusting to her new reality. But in an interview Friday, she told the New Hampshire Union Leader that the support from family, friends and teammates has helped keep her spirits strong and upbeat. “The moment I woke up Sunday, I was already cracking jokes about everything and smiling,” she said. “I was just happy to be alive. I was happy that my friend was OK in the accident.”
I don’t know many adults who would have that kind of attitude after such a blow, let alone a college student. Noelle’s a very special person. The Union article also provided some details about the immediate aftermath of the crash and how bystanders jumped into action to help save Noelle’s life.
Lambert, who maintained consciousness the whole time, knew immediately that her leg was gone. A nurse jogging by and another man who crafted a makeshift tourniquet helped save her life, said mom Judy Lambert.
According to the New Hampshire Union Noelle is going to take online classes this fall, and then within a couple months return to campus. She plans on getting a prosthetic leg and is expected to make a full recovery. As her mother says “She’s just very strong-willed, stubborn, determined. When she wants something, she gets it. She doesn’t usually accept no for an answer.”
A GoFundMe page to help with the costs of her prosthetic leg & rehab can be found here. The page has already raised $38,000 of its $75,000 goal.