Amanda Martínez experienced every parent's worst nightmare on the morning of September 3rd. Her 19-year-old daughter, Rosa Flores, was trapped in the wreckage of a demolished car after a devastating collision near the Kendall campus of Miami Dade College, caused by a truck.
In an interview with Telemundo 51, Amanda shared how her life came to a standstill following the accident.
Weeks in a Coma and Multiple Surgeries
Rosa was a passenger with two others when their car was hit while turning into the campus. The crash was so severe that footage of the incident circulated widely on social media. Rosa was rushed to the hospital in critical condition.
"She had internal bleeding and a skull hemorrhage, so they had to operate to drain the blood. Her body was covered in bruises," Amanda recounted to Local 10. Rosa spent three weeks in an induced coma and underwent several cranial surgeries.
"Seeing my daughter fight for her life, not knowing if she'd be there for Christmas, not knowing if I'd ever hold her again... it was tearing me apart inside. I wouldn't wish this on any mother, not even my worst enemy," she confessed.
Learning to Walk, Talk, and Swallow Again
Now, Rosa is in a rehabilitation center, reliant on a feeding tube and needing assistance to walk, talk, swallow, bathe, and move.
"She's a miracle. Surviving this crash is truly a miracle from God. Now, she must learn to walk, talk, and swallow—basic things we take for granted," her mother explained. Doctors have confirmed that Rosa will need to relearn all these basic functions from scratch.
A Life on Hold Since September
Amanda, a single mother, had to leave her job to care for Rosa full-time, uncertain when she might be able to return to work.
"I can't work. My daughter needs 24-hour care for eating, bathing, everything. I don't know when I'll be able to work again," she admitted. The mounting medical and rehabilitation expenses, along with the total loss of income, have put immense pressure on the family.
"I'm still traumatized. I don't know what a bed, a home-cooked meal, or a home feels like. Since September 3rd, my life has been on pause. The world moves on, but for me, everything stopped," says Rosa's mother.
Rosa's Dreams on Hold
Before the accident, Rosa was excited to start her first year of college, aiming to pursue a career in medical imaging technology. She also taught herself to play the guitar and sing.
"My daughter lights up any room she enters. She brings peace, joy, and is incredibly sweet," Amanda said. She remains hopeful for Rosa's recovery: "I know she deserves a second chance. She has such a brilliant future ahead."
Amanda also urged drivers to be cautious: "Pay attention, don't rush. It's better to arrive late than not at all. We need to drive carefully."
Supporting Rosa
Family friend Rachel Palma has organized a GoFundMe campaign on Amanda's behalf to cover medical, hospital, transportation, and family expenses, with a goal of $35,000. On the campaign page, Palma describes Rosa: "She has a beautiful heart, a beautiful soul, and a smile that can light up the whole place. She has left a lasting mark on the hearts of those who know her."
As of the time of this report, the campaign has raised $14,535 from 284 donors. The accident remains under investigation, and the other occupants of the vehicle are safe.
Frequently Asked Questions about Rosa Flores' Recovery
What injuries did Rosa Flores sustain in the accident?
Rosa suffered internal bleeding and a skull hemorrhage, requiring multiple surgeries and three weeks in an induced coma.
How can people support Rosa Flores and her family?
A GoFundMe campaign has been set up by Rachel Palma to assist with medical and family expenses. Donations can be made to help reach the $35,000 goal.
What challenges does Rosa face in her rehabilitation?
Rosa must relearn basic functions such as walking, talking, and swallowing, which are now part of her rehabilitation process.