A Mom's Fight for a Normal Life After a Horrible Crash
A Family Trip Turns Tragic
Lacy Cornelius Boyd's life changed forever during a family trip with her husband and daughter. They were heading home from the Grand Canyon when their car hit black ice. The vehicle spun out of control, crashing head-on into another vehicle.
Severe Injuries and a Fight for Survival
Boyd's injuries were critical:
- Broken bones
- Collapsed lung
- Serious damage to her intestines
Doctors performed six surgeries in just five days. Despite their efforts, her intestines continued to deteriorate. The seatbelt, which saved her life, also caused severe damage. She was left with only a small portion of her intestines.
Life After the Crash
Boyd was diagnosed with short bowel syndrome. Her new reality included:
- An ileostomy bag
- 12 hours of IV nutrition daily
- Feelings of weakness and embarrassment
- Inability to enjoy simple pleasures like eating out
- A daughter scared of the medical equipment at home
A Ray of Hope: The Intestinal Transplant
Doctors gave her little hope, but Boyd refused to give up. She discovered a rare procedure: an intestinal transplant. She contacted the Cleveland Clinic, where Dr. Masato Fujiki suggested the transplant. Boyd was overjoyed, having never heard of such a procedure before.
The Rare and Risky Procedure
Intestinal transplants are:
- Rare, with only about 100 performed each year in the U.S.
- Risky, with a low success rate
- Often complicated by rejection and infections
Boyd was determined. She started the process in November 2024 and received the transplant in July 2025.
A Successful Operation and Recovery
The operation was a success. Boyd spent:
- Three weeks in the hospital
- Three months recovering in Cleveland
She had no complications. Her ostomy bag was removed, and she no longer needed IV nutrition. She returned home just in time for Thanksgiving.
A Return to Normal Life
Boyd's life is slowly returning to normal. She can now:
- Take her daughter to school
- Enjoy family traditions
She is grateful for the chance to live a normal life again. While she continues to take anti-rejection medication and follow-up care, she is happy to be back with her family.
