WARNING: This story contains details that may be disturbing to some readers.
Bridgette Hagen is making progress.
She was the victim of a shooting at her workplace, the Northern Credit Union in Wawa, on Dec. 12, 2024.
Since then, Bridgette has been recovering in Sudbury’s Health Sciences North hospital.
“Ongoing rehab is the top priority now,” her husband Kevin told SooToday over the weekend.
“We’re getting ready to head home to a new normal. We are in progress of ordering assistive devices and looking at future modifications to the home.”
Bridgette did not need a hip replacement, which doctors originally thought would be necessary.
“She has had bone growth and was given the all clear a few weeks ago to put full bearing weight on her leg. A hip replacement could be a possibility in the future,” Kevin said.
Bridgette was diagnosed with severe post-traumatic stress disorder and severe anxiety, which she is receiving support for.
“Mobility is another big challenge with long-term physical therapy ahead,” Kevin said.
Dental surgery will also be necessary in the future to replace missing teeth.
The mother of two left the intensive care unit on Christmas Day to go to the orthopaedic ward for intensive rehabilitation.
Bridgette was in a medically-induced coma due to the life-altering injuries she received from the shooting.
She doesn't remember the incident except for a loud noise.
Since the incident, she’s had several surgeries.
One hand and part of her forearm were amputated, her appendix was removed and she has had surgery on her lungs, heart and colon to stop the internal bleeding.
Her pelvis and femur were shattered and she had pellets in her face, jaw and eye cavity.
A family friend, Bob Cliffe, started the GoFundMe on behalf of the family, which Kevin said is a huge relief.
Raising over $150,000, the money has been used for travel, hotel and food expenses for the family to visit Bridgette. Now it will go toward modifying their home to make it accessible for her.
Kevin described the support the couple received as overwhelming.
“We have met so many people who are still following the GoFundMe page for updates.”
The OPP did not name the shooter, although a person was found deceased at the credit union.
Bridgette will head home on May 9.