A perfect day turned into a nightmare when mom and her three children got into freak accident
A San Diego mother-of-three has suffered a horrific spine injury after crashing a dune buggy with children onboard.
Kalene Bartolone was preparing to ring in the New Year with family and friends in Ocotillo Wells in the California desert last month when the harrowing collision took place.
She was behind the wheel of an RZR utility task vehicle when she took a hill at speed and crashed-landed with a force that sent the vehicle rolling onto its side.
Her husband Vinny and his friend, Joe Eigner, were able to rescue the children who escaped without any major injury.
Eigner, who was watching it all unfold from his dirt bike nearby, explained what happened in a Facebook post. He said: 'Kalene overshot the hill with way too much speed and [flew] in the air like I've never seen a dune buggy jump before.
'Kalene couldn't move and was stuck in the car. Thankfully, we didn't move her. We immediately called 911. Rangers and paramedics were on the scene in less than 15 minutes.'
Kalene, 32, who was wearing a helmet at the time, had to be freed using a Jaws of Life mechanism and was airlifted to the hospital.
She was diagnosed with a crushed vertebra and pinched spinal cord and underwent nine hours of agonizing surgery on December 30.
Kalene Bartolone is pictured with her children Katelyn (center), Vinny (left) and Carson (right) and her husband, who is also called Vinny
Kalene was severely injured in the dune buggy crash in California and is now learning to walk again
Loved ones have started a GoFundMe to support her, hoping to raise $50,000 to cover hefty medical bills and her recovery.
The GoFundMe explained: 'What started out as a great day turned into a nightmare.
'Thankfully, all children are okay. Unfortunately, Kalene is not. Her spinal cord was damaged and her L-1 was completely shattered.
'The long road to recovery will be very challenging indeed.
'For those of you that know Kalene, she is beautiful, smart, cheerful, funny, loving and unbelievably strong.'
The family gave an update on her progress on January 15 and said that miraculously, she has taken a few steps.
They wrote: 'She is currently at inpatient rehab and having amazing progress... She even started taking steps.
'Kalene is in awe of all the love and support that she has been given.
Kalene's husband Vinny (pictured with her) helped rescue their three children from the wreckage
Kalene was driving an RZR utility task vehicle when she flew over a dune causing the vehicle to fly into the air and tumble onto its side (file photo)
The family were on a trip with friends at Ocotillo Wells (pictured) to celebrate the New Year
'Her beautiful attitude, strength and determination are an inspiration to us all.'
Most vertebral fractures are not severe and do not require surgery, per the Cleveland Clinic.
However, more intense breaks can lead to long-lasting side effects, including chronic pain and permanent damage to the ability to stand or walk.
Kalene is a doula who specializes in pre-birth education for new mothers. She is also a member of San Diego Christian Doulas.
Her children are Katelyn, 12, Vinny, 9, and eight-month-old Carson. Bartolone's husband Vinny works for San Diego Parks and Recreation.
Ocotillo Wells is a desert terrain with designated areas for motorcycles, four-wheelers, buggies and other all-terrain vehicles. It is just over 90 miles east of San Diego.
The Daily Mail contacted the Bartolone family, Eigner and Ocotillo Wells SVRA for further comment.
