When Mirna Balakumar was rushed to Piedmont Columbus Regional’s midtown hospital April 12 after being struck by a car while crossing the street, doctors weren’t sure she would survive. It had been only three days since she earned her master’s degree from Indiana University, and now she was fighting for her life.
Six weeks later, Balakumar defied the odds — walking, talking and reclaiming her independence after overcoming multiple life-threatening injuries. To celebrate her recovery, the hospital staff threw her a surprise graduation party Wednesday morning.
“There’s so many people here I never expected. [I’m] speechless,” Balakumar told the Ledger-Enquirer. “I don’t even know most of the people, but everybody has come and helped me. They celebrated my graduation day. … It’s really exciting.”
Once confined by tubes, lines and drains, Balakumar wheeled into the party with only an IV and a smile, becoming emotional as hospital staff gave her a standing ovation. She was presented with her diploma — a long-awaited celebration for the hybrid student who completed her degree in information technology…