KISSIMMEE, Fla. – Karina Silva Poirier, an aerial performer with Cirque du Soleil's La Nouba in Orlando, survived a 30-foot fall during a rehearsal seven months ago.
After several surgeries and rehabilitation, Silva Poirier and her family are speaking with News 6 about her incredible recovery.
"I'm very happy to be here today,” Silva Poirier told News 6 morning anchor, Kirstin O’Connor.
Silva Poirier comes from six generations of circus performers. Her husband David Poirier performed in La Nouba as well. Just six months before the accident, the couple celebrated the birth of their son Kyle.
According to 911 calls immediately following her fall, Silva Poirier was hurt about 10:15 p.m. on Oct. 20 as she was rehearsing an aerial silk act. She was flown to Osceola Regional Medical Center where a trauma team worked to save her life.
Fans of the international performer were heartbroken to hear that Silva Poirier was critically injured.
A crowdfunding site surpassed its $25,000 goal but the last update from a family member explained the new mother was in a coma. It was not until a trauma survivors conference at Osceola Regional Medical Center we heard from doctors who treated her.
"When I saw her she was in coma like three times during the hospitalization. I did three surgeries on her, and every time she came back,” said Dr. Pedro Ramirez, Silva Poirier's neurosurgeon.It became clear, the fire inside this dazzling acrobat could not be extinguished.
"I have this opportunity to talk to you and to have the opportunity to hold my son, and see him grow and see my husband, and be with my family,” Silva Poirier told O’Connor.
Silva Poirier said her son is the reason she continues to fight to survive. Ramirez said Silva Poirier’s strength to fly on aerial silks may never return, but her determination to see her son grow is getting results no one thought possible.
She is speaking all five languages she knew before the accident and doctors expect her to walk again.
An investigation by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration found no major safety violations in the accident.
Disney Springs announced the final curtain call for La Nouba Dec. 31.