LUCKY TO BE ALIVE: KEYS WOMAN INVOLVED IN 2015 CRASH TELLS STORY OF FAITH

From their Key Largo home, Karol and Terry Harrelson hold up a copy of Karol's newly released book. KELLIE BUTLER FARRELL/Keys Weekly

By all accounts, the fact that 63-year-old Karol Harrelson is alive is nothing short of a miracle. 

“My heart stopped twice,” she recalled. “They resuscitated me twice, once in the helicopter and once at the hospital.”

Seven years ago, this former nurse’s life changed in a blink of an eye. Harrelson was on her way to Miami at 6 a.m. for her last week of training to become an ICU nurse. She never made it. 

“At the green light I looked both ways twice, I always did,” explained Harrelson. 

As she turned out of her Avenue A home across from Tradewinds Plaza onto the Overseas Highway, the driver of a large box truck ran the red light, careening into her car, T-boning the vehicle and pushing it into a light post.

“I heard the crash and I was praying that it wasn’t her,” said Karol’s husband of 30 years, Terry Harrelson. He rushed outside. By the time he reached Karol, she was unconscious. 

Before the accident in 2015, Karol Harrelson was a nurse at Mariner’s Hospital. She loved nursing and helping people who couldn’t help themselves. CONTRIBUTED

For the next three months, Karol remained in a medically induced coma at Jackson Memorial Hospital and was later transferred to Kindred Hospital in Coral Gables. Karol suffered compound fractures in her arm and leg along with traumatic brain injury. When she awoke from the coma, she had no idea what had happened to her.

What followed was years of rehabilitation. It wasn’t easy for the Mariners Hospital nurse. She was accustomed to being the caregiver, not the patient.

“I was a nurse. I’m supposed to be on the other side of the bed, not in the bed,” she said.

“It was hard times, it was real hard times,” added Terry.

Karol was told she would likely never walk again, but she beat the odds and can get around with the help of a walker or cane. Her speech was affected, but she can effectively communicate.

Karol believes she is here today because of the never-ending support of her husband.

“Terry’s been my inspiration. He pushes me all the time,” said Karol.

“I would not let her give up. I wouldn’t let her give up at all. I would stay on her,” agreed Terry.

Karol also credits her strong faith in seeing her through the most difficult time of her life.

“I believe in angels,” said Karol. “I know that God was holding me that day. No doubt in my mind,” she said.

Karol’s book was released Dec. 6. It is available online at Amazon and Barnes and Noble. CONTRIBUTED

Now this mother of three and grandmother of eight is telling her story of faith and survival. With the help of her sister Lynn, she wrote a book about her experience titled “The Miracle on Overseas Highway.” The book is available online at Amazon and Barnes and Noble.

Karol says writing the book was cathartic, a much-needed step toward closure.

“I had to do something with the anger that I had, anger at the guy who hit me,” she said.

According to Karol and Terry, the driver of the box truck that hit Karol left the country. Terry said authorities did not believe he was under the influence of drugs or alcohol. They said he may have been texting or could have fallen asleep at the wheel.

After a year of jumping through legal hoops, Terry and Karol were able to reach a settlement from the driver’s employer. That money was used to cover Karol’s staggering medical expenses. 

“The medical bills were way over a million dollars, ” said Terry.

During this interview, Karol and Terry sat hand in hand at their kitchen table. Their bond is undeniable and inspiring. Although they’ve been through more than most people could ever imagine, they are grateful.

“I have pain everywhere, but it’s okay, I’m here,” said Karol. “God saved my life. I know that.” 

“She’s my miracle,” added an emotional Terry.

Kellie Butler Farrell is a journalist who calls Islamorada home. Kellie spent two decades in television news and also taught journalism at Barry University in Miami and Zayed University in Abu Dhabi, UAE. She loves being outside, whether spending time on the water or zipping down the Old Highway on her electric bike, Kellie is always soaking up the island lifestyle. Kellie and her husband own an electric bike rental company, Keys Ebikes.