Positive: Clodagh Cogley
One of the surviving victims of the Berkeley balcony collapse has posted a poignant message to her friends to say she intends to honour those who died by living a happy and fulfilling life.
In the moving post, Trinity College student Clodagh Cogley described her harrowing injuries before saying she intends to live her life to the full to honour the victims who died in the tragedy.
"Hey friends, just an update to let you guys know how I'm getting on (slowly catching up with the individual messages I promise!) The fall from the balcony left me with 2 collapsed lungs, a broken shoulder, a broken knee, 5 broken ribs and a broken spinal cord... Meaning the chances of me using my legs again are pretty bleak.
"Not the best odds but I'm moving to a great rehabilitation centre here in San Francisco for 2 months (it has dog therapy 🐶❤) and intend to give it everything I've got. Who knows maybe legs have been holding me back all these years and I'll realise my talent for wheelchair basketball."
The young Dublin woman says the tragic events which unfolded in the last week have taught her that life is short and it should be embraced.
"The thing I'm taking from this tragedy is that life is short and I intend to honour those who died by living the happiest and most fulfilling life possible. Enjoy a good dance and the feeling of grass beneath your feet like it's the last time because in this crazy world you never know when it might be."
The 21-year-old, who is a big fan of Harry Potter, received a message of support from author JK Rowling several days ago.
Wishing Clodagh Cogley a very speedy recovery and sending much love to her, her friends and family xxx
— J.K. Rowling (@jk_rowling) June 19, 2015
A gofundmepage has been set up for people who wish to donate to the students affected by this tragedy and to assist the immediate needs of their families.
A message on the page thanked donators for raising over $220,000 to date.