Ashley Judd Shares Her Inspiring Path to Healing After Suffering a Severe Leg Injury in DRC

Ashley Judd s Long Road Back From Shattering Her Leg in DRC

Ashley Judd. Arturo Holmes/Getty Images

When Ashley Judd injured her leg during a trip to the Democratic Republic of the Congo in 2021, doctors were uncertain if she would ever regain full movement in her foot. Despite their doubts, Judd was determined to prove them wrong.

On Monday, May 13, the 56-year-old actress shared a video on Instagram showcasing her remarkable progress in the recovery process. Set to the empowering song "Unstoppable" by Sia, the clip captures Judd confidently maneuvering through an agility ladder and balancing on her healed leg on a board. Throughout the video, she expresses gratitude towards her personal trainer and the individuals who assisted her in leaving the Central African rainforest.

Judd was on a mission to find bonobos when her headlamp malfunctioned, causing her to trip and break her leg. She shared with the New York Times from a hospital bed that getting out of the remote area required being carried in a hammock for an hour and a half, followed by a six-hour motorcycle ride. She mentioned that the Democratic Republic of Congo was not well-equipped to handle severe injuries like hers.

Reflecting on the incident on Instagram, Judd expressed amazement that she was able to return home safely.

The accident in DRC was extremely traumatic. I am thankful to my siblings who rescued me and kept me motivated during the 67-hour journey to receive medical help.

Judd's road to recovery was not easy. She mentioned contracting a rare parasite that was even documented in the New England Journal of Medicine, as well as dealing with a more common illness like mononucleosis.

“Every day, I am profoundly grateful for SAG/AFTRA union insurance & my healthcare team,” she said. “Saved my leg, saved my life.”

Ashley Judd s Long Road Back From Shattering Her Leg in DRC

Courtesy of Ashley Judd/Instagram

Judd is currently undergoing physical therapy with the aim of being able to hike again. She mentioned that she is focusing on exercises that will improve walking on rough terrain and carrying a heavy backpack. Judd expressed that her ultimate aspiration is to hike at Yellowstone National Park.

At the moment, Judd is thrilled just to be able to move her foot and maintain balance on her leg that was injured before.

During my nerve conduction study in 2021, the Doctor told me, "I do not know if this foot will ever move again." In response, she posted a video of herself balancing on that same foot with the caption, "To that dude...watch this."

Editor's P/S:

Ashley Judd's story is an inspiring tale of resilience and determination. Despite facing a life-altering injury and numerous challenges during her recovery, she remained steadfast in her belief that she would regain full movement in her foot. Her unwavering spirit and the support of her loved ones and medical team ultimately led to her remarkable progress.

Judd's journey highlights the importance of access to quality healthcare and the role it plays in recovery. Her experience in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, where medical facilities were limited, underscores the need for improved healthcare infrastructure in underserved areas. Additionally, Judd's candid account of her physical and emotional struggles serves as a reminder of the arduous path that many individuals face in their recovery from serious injuries. Her story is a testament to the human capacity for healing and the transformative power of perseverance.