Ashley Judd, renowned American actress of films like "Heat" and "Divergent," recently shared the aftermath of a harrowing adventure in the Congo that led to four leg fractures.
The actress revealed the scars from her injuries and detailed her rehabilitation journey, expressing gratitude for those who played pivotal roles in her rescue.
Judd's ordeal unfolded during an excursion to spot bonobo monkeys, an endangered species. A fall from a fallen tree resulted in four bone injuries, rendering her immobile. The subsequent 55-hour rescue mission navigated the challenging jungle terrain, culminating in her evacuation to South Africa for crucial surgeries.
Upon waking after the rescue, Judd reflected on the intense experience, stating, "I arrived in a terrible condition, and my leg had no pulse." The arduous 22-hour journey back to the United States involved four flights, disrupted by pandemic-related rescheduling and cancellations.
In an Instagram post, Judd expressed deep gratitude for those who contributed to her rescue, recounting the efforts of individuals like Dieumerci, Papa Jean, and even a person she referred to as "Maradona." Dieumerci provided support in the rainforest, stabilizing her severely deformed leg, while Papa Jean manipulated and adjusted her broken bones during a painful process. Maradona played a crucial role in a six-hour journey on an uneven dirt road, assisting Judd as she held her shattered leg together.
Despite the challenges, Judd looks ahead to her recovery, acknowledging that her peroneal nerve injury will take time to heal. She focuses on regaining movement in her foot and anticipates walking with a brace and a cane by June. With determination, she issued a warning to Patagonia, indicating her intention to explore the region once her nerve heals. Ending on a poignant note, she quoted Psalm 84:5-6, emphasizing the transformative nature of enduring hardships and finding strength on the journey.
