Woman loses leg in motorcycle accident

EDEN, N.Y. (WIVB) - A terrible motorcycle accident cost a local woman her leg and caused other serious injuries.

Lisa Brunetta said, "I'm just very very grateful to be alive."

Brunetta is grateful, but is struggling with every step she takes. She had loved her new motorcycle but an accident in rural Pennsylvania last September cost her her right leg. A tractor made a sudden turn in front of her on a rural road.

"I was thrown in the air. I think I was attached to the bike in the front with my leg, which is why I ultimately lost my leg. It was stuck in the front spokes," Brunetta said.

Her boyfriend, Mark Mogavero, who had been on his own bike, lifted the 740-pound motorcycle off of her. Then miraculously, two very important people showed up out of nowhere.

Brunetta said, "The first person on the scene driving by happened to be a doctor, and the second happened to be a nurse. So to me, ultimately, that was divine."

She has an unwavering faith in God and in her own ability to overcome adversity. She sets an example for her family.

Sally Burns, her sister-in-law, said, "Her strength. She's tough. I wish that I was like her."

Brunetta raised four children and a foster son, and wants to be around for her grandchildren.

Her brother, Terry Burns, says life, love and family has kept his sister going.

"Our whole family, we do everything for each other whenever we can," he added.

Brunetta will have to move out of her home in a matter of months. She can no longer make the payments because of her medical bills. Her family is helping her pack and is planning a benefit in May.

Sally said, "She can give the world to you. I just want to give it back to her."

Brunetta struggles, but has no self-pity. What does she say has kept her going?

"I don't look down and get sad about not having my leg, because I think that's a direct slap in the face of God, who saved me to be here. I'm not going to waste my time here crying about anything," Brunetta said.

She says drivers need to pay more attention to motorcyclists on the road. The benefit for Brunetta is Saturday, May 18 at the VFW Hall on March Road in Eden from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. There will be music, food, beer, door prizes, a Chinese auction and raffles.

Tickets are $20 in advance and $25 at the door. Tickets are being sold at the Eden 39er's Club on Stugeon Point Road in Derby or you can call Michelle Novak at 716-880-7125, Sandy Ginter at 716-572-2189 or Rose Davies at 716-998-7484.