A Lenhartsville native was attacked by an alligator in the Wekiva River in Florida on Saturday.
“Rachael D. Lilienthal, 37, of Orlando, was swimming upstream away from a crowded beach area when she was bitten by an alligator,” according to Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission officials in an Aug. 9 Orlando Sentinel article at http://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/breaking-news/os-update-alligator-attack-woman-wekiwa-springs-20150809-story.html. “Lilienthal was bitten at least twice and her right arm was severed above the elbow, said FWC spokeswoman Karen Parker. A kayaker struck the alligator with a paddle and caused it to release its grip on Lilienthal. Two kayakers brought her to the marina, Parker said, where Seminole County deputies administered first aid. Lilienthal was taken to Orlando Regional Medical Center for treatment.”
“This was truly a tragic experience for all involved, including the alligator,” said Item photographer Carl Hess, a former Hamburg art teacher who taught Rachael. “We humans have to remember that when in the wild we are in THEIR territory and natural habitat.”
Rachael was in elementary school when Hess was her teacher.
“At the time I was involved with bird banding and Rachael and her father spent a nice day out banding with me and exploring rural Northern Berks County,” said Hess. “I remember her youthful enthusiasm and I wish her the best throughout her ordeal, recovery and rehab.”
A gofundme account has been set up for Rachael.
“She survived due to the heroism and quick response of the people nearby in addition to her overwhelmingly strong spirit,” writes gofundme account creator Lynnsey Bailey at http://www.gofundme.com/8s2fuxvs. “Rachael will live and thrive after this attack but has some challenges ahead.”
The account was created to help with medical bills and generate funds for a prosthesis as she lost her right arm.
“I know many of her friends around the world want to be there to support her and while many of us can’t physically be there, we can make her life a little easier with this fund. Please consider donating and helping to support Rachael as she overcomes this crisis. Hopefully we can send many blessings to her and her family during this time. Thank you all sincerely for your thoughts and prayers,” writes Bailey.
The account nearly met the initial goal of $10,000 in the first 24 hours.
“A heartfelt thank you to all of those who were able to participate, whatever the amount. After evaluating some of the costs associated with Rachael’s treatment, we are hoping the new goal will be enough to offset the majority of her out of pocket medical costs,” writes Bailey. “Please keep praying for our dear Rachael. She’s been such a generous, giving woman throughout her entire life. Let’s repay her kindness when she needs us the most.”
For more information, go to http://www.gofundme.com/8s2fuxvs.