After a recent injury, Edina High School math teacher, area leader, and head Girls’ Hockey coach Laura Slominski underwent surgery and is currently in the recovery stage. Zephyrus got a chance to interview Ms. Slominski this week.

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Zephyrus: What specifically was your injury and how did it occur?

Ms. Laura Slominski: I was playing hockey on Sunday night. I took a shot on net and was going for a rebound by the boards. Another girl and I collided and I went back first into the boards, which caused my head to snap back. The actual injury was a fracture and break to my C-5 vertebrae, but luckily my spinal cord was intact, which allowed me to have full movement in my legs and arms

Zephyrus: Would you mind briefly describing the surgery?

L.S.: For the surgery, they had to cut in my neck through the side and [cut] the back. My best understanding is that in the front they removed the broken vertebrae and replaced it with the titanium vertebrae along with some pieces of the original vertebrae. They then fused it together with my C-4 and C-6 vertebrae to stabilize it. When they finished with that, they went in through the back of my neck and put some rods and screws in the C-4, C-5, and C-6 to stabilize it even more.

Zephyrus: How is the recovery going? How are you feeling?

L.S.: The recovery is going well so far. I got the staples in the back of my neck removed so that was exciting. That scar ended up being a lot longer than what I expected, [but] what are you going to do? I have been able to do pretty much everything I need to on my own at home. But I have been so lucky because I have so many great family and friends around to help with anything and everything

Zephyrus: Do you have any idea when you will be back at EHS?

L.S.: I am not sure when I will be able to return to EHS. I go back to my doctor in three weeks and we will reevaluate then. Hopefully it will be sooner rather than later as I miss everybody there!

Zephyrus: EHS fully supports you and wishes you a quick recovery, what does that mean to you?

L.S.: The support that I have received from everyone including the EHS staff, students, and faculty has meant the world to me. You would never ask to go through something like this but when you do it shows you how much love and support there is for you and makes you realize how truly lucky and blessed you are. I realize that things could’ve been way worse than what they are, and I feel so lucky and blessed that all I have to deal with is my recovery.

Zephyrus: Is there anything that students and the community can do for you?

L.S.: Everyone has already done more than I could’ve ever asked for! The biggest thing I would continue to ask for is your prayers and thoughts just to help me through my recovery because I truly believe that’s what gotten me this far! Thanks for everything. You guys are the best!