by Dennis Dalman
After one long agonizing year, Duc Chung of Sartell, 45, is still recovering at home from an accident that broke his neck, causing serious paralysis.
Duc Chung, along with his wife, Hanh Le, are the owners and operators of JL Nails, a salon in Sartell.
In the summer before last, Chung and his family were vacationing in Michigan when Duc took a boat ride on a lake. At one point, Duc decided to dive from the boat into the water. He did not know the water was extremely shallow at that point. His head hit the bottom, breaking his neck.
Fortunately, fast help got him back to shore, and he was whisked away to a hospital. Doctors performed surgery, but the body paralysis remained, causing Chung to undergo about nine months of physical therapy. He eventually learned to walk, haltingly, with the aid of a complicated device, but he remains in a wheelchair.
After his accident, people in Sartell learned about it and many rallied to help the Chung family. The Sartell Lions raised funds to help with hospital bills, and the Sartell Fire Department sent a fire truck to the house one day, bringing Santa Claus and gifts for the two young Chung boys.
Chung’s wife, Hanh, still works at their nail salon, but it’s been very difficult, dividing her time between the salon and her husband’s health needs. Chung’s father-in-law often visits to help Duc in the home, as does Duc’s older brother, Randy, and his wife, who live in St. Cloud.
“He’s so lucky to be alive,” Randy said. “He feels a lot better now that he’s back home.”
Anyone who would like to send Duc an encouraging card can send it to:
Duc Chung
% JL Nails
1101 Second St. S.
Sartell, MN 56377
In the hospital, Duc Chung prepares to try walking with the aid of a wheeled walker.
