Rise Harrison’s broken body is healing.
The 52-year-old woman’s road to recovery will be painful and long.
But, Harrison describes herself as “strong willed.” Her faith and determination, she said, will help her walk and possibly ride a bicycle again.
The former restaurant manager’s life changed Aug. 15 when she was riding her bicycle on North Flowing Wells Road, just south of West Wetmore Road. She was struck by a hit-and-run driver shortly before 8:30 p.m, authorities said.
Harrison was not wearing a helmet. She does not remember the crash, the sirens or Northwest Fire District paramedics working on her crumpled body as she was rushed to Banner-University Medical Center Tucson.
While at the hospital, she was heavily sedated. “I had a bleed in my brain for four days,” said Harrison who now calls Park Avenue Health and Rehabilitation Center home. She communicates with her son and sister through Facebook.
She is recovering from numerous fractures, including breaks in her pelvis region, jaw and right shoulder blade, said Jacob Barnes, the center’s therapy manager. She must wear a body brace to protect her spine.
Harrison was on her bike headed north on Flowing Wells when she was struck by a red Chevrolet Corvette, a witness told Pima County Sheriff’s Department investigators. It was described as a newer model — possibly within the last 10 years, said Deputy Courtney Rodriguez, a department spokeswoman.
Harrison’s message to the driver of the Corvette:
“I just want you to come forward and admit that you hit me. I am not a mean person. I don’t want to cause you harm. I just want you to come forward and admit responsibility,” she said, wiping tears. “How would you feel if it was one of your family members, or your wife who was hit?”
A witness said the driver had a “raspy” voice. He was described as an older man. He was last seen wearing a brown baseball hat, short-sleeved shirt, beige cargo shorts and dark-colored hiking boots or tennis shoes, said Rodriguez.
Detectives think the man may have taken the Corvette to a repair facility or sought to have the front end damage fixed, Rodriguez said. Traffic detectives ask that anyone with information call 911 or 88-CRIME, an anonymous tipster hotline. She said the tip may lead to a reward.
In the meantime, Harrison does physical therapy five days a week — struggling 30 minutes each session to regain her movement. She tolerates the pain, sometimes wincing. The pain medication helps.
“I feel pressure from my pelvis,” explained Harrison. “It feels like something is falling out,” she told Robin Townsend, a physical therapist assistant who was working with Harrison on Tuesday.
In physical therapy sessions, Harrison works on improving mobility and range of motion, said Townsend. This includes Harrison’s ability to stand, sit, get out of bed and onto her wheelchair.
Townsend remains at Harrison’s side — pushing her wheelchair behind her as she takes grueling steps with the use of a walker, needing to sit down several times to rest.
Harrison also is relearning how to bathe and groom herself, and later when she is able to she will take up daily activities, such as mopping, sweeping and cooking during occupational therapy sessions.
It’s been three weeks since Harrison was released from the hospital to the rehabilitation center. She is progressing well, said Barnes, explaining that the healing process will take a long time, and she probably will need home health-care treatment once she is released from the center.
For now, Harrison is not allowed to bend, lift, twist or push objects. Her right arm can only hold up to 5 pounds.
Harrison does not know if she will be able to ride a bicycle again. “I always enjoyed riding,” she said recalling her trips along the Rillito River Park trail enjoying the sunrises and sunsets, and seeing coyotes and a mountain lion once near the path.
“Now I have fear of riding, of crossing the road. I am so skittish. It will be a long time before I get on a bike again. That is if I can ride again,” she said.
