Students from the LSU AgCenter’s School of Renewable Natural Resources have started collecting donations to help offset the medical expenses of a graduate student who survived an alligator attack in July.
Yu-Hsin Hsueh, a forestry graduate student from Taiwan, was attacked July 28 at Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve in Marrero while conducting field research for her dissertation.
Hsueh said she was leaning over the boardwalk to retrieve a soil and water sample when a 7-foot alligator emerged and sunk its teeth into her arm.
Hsueh said the alligator went into its infamous death roll, when the alligator spins vigorously in an effort to remove a piece of an animal that is too large for one bite, twisting her arm and breaking six bones.
“I was so terrified,” she said. “I tried to pull my hand back.”
When the alligator tried to regain its grip on her hand, Hsueh said she was able to pull her arm back.
“I was still very nervous until the doctor tested my nervous system and told me I still had feeling in my fingers,” she said. “I feel pretty lucky.”
Because Hsueh, who faces medical expenses that could exceed $50,000, is on a research fellowship, she is not considered a University employee and does not qualify for workers’ compensation, according to D. Allen Rutherford, SRNR director.
“I was a little sad and frustrated because we are doing pretty dangerous work in the wild,” Hsueh said. “We are all facing some fears about it.”
Although Hsueh does have student health insurance, the coverage is fairly limited, Rutherford said.
People who want to help can bring donations to any Home Bank location or to the School of Renewable Natural Resources, Rutherford said.
The school started collecting donations at a volleyball tournament Aug. 21, where it raised $2,200.
Noel Novelo, aquaculture graduate student, spearheaded the event.
“When I first heard about her accident, I was pretty concerned,” Novelo said. “Our main goal was to help her financially as quickly as possible.”
Raynie Harlan, a research associate from the SRNR Fisheries Lab, is spearheading the next fundraising event Sept. 14.
The benefit raffle and fundraiser will be from 6 to 10 p.m. at Chelsea’s Café. Raffled items will include two footballs signed by Billy Cannon, gift cards from local restaurants, gift baskets and artwork.
Hsueh said she is currently undergoing physical therapy and will probably have more surgeries.
“She can move her fingers right now,” Rutherford said. “The doctors are optimistic about her regaining the use of her arm, but it’s too soon to tell.”
Hsueh said she is thankful for the donations and support.
“It’s going to be a huge burden to me in the future, but with so many people’s help, I’m optimistic I can make it through,” she said. “It’s really helped me get through these days.”
 
 
 
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Contact Sarah Eddington at [email protected]