Emma Bond's recovery Inspires action during Alcohol Awareness Month
San Antonio, Texas — As Fiesta kicks off in San Antonio, the community is reminded of the critical importance of preventing drunk driving. The story of 20-year-old Emma Bond serves as a poignant example of the devastating consequences that can arise from impaired driving.
Just days before Christmas in 2024, Emma's life changed forever when a wrong-way driver, under the influence of alcohol, struck her head-on on I-37 in Elmendorf, Texas. The impact was catastrophic, igniting her vehicle and trapping her inside. In a remarkable act of bravery, a bystander named Christen Cantu risked his own life to pull Emma from the flames, ultimately saving her life.
Following the accident, Emma was rushed to a nearby San Antonio hospital, where she received urgent care for multiple injuries. Her mother, Shara Bond, noted that despite the pain and fear, Emma maintained a positive spirit throughout her ordeal.
“When I see the photos of the accident, I think about her by herself and what could have happened if he wasn’t there at the right time in the right place,” said Shara Bond. “The fact that she’s here and alive makes me so thankful for life she’s fighting to get back to.”
After stabilizing in the ICU, Emma transitioned to inpatient rehabilitation at Methodist Hospital | Stone Oak Rehabilitation Center and later moved closer to home to Methodist Hospital | Atascosa’s Rehabilitation Center, where she began the challenging journey of learning to walk again.
“God put me here for a reason,” Emma said. “I kept telling myself ‘You need to do whatever you can do because you’re here for a reason.’ Doctors told me that they read my charts and couldn’t believe I was alive today.”
Emma's story has resonated with many across San Antonio and beyond, highlighting the far-reaching effects of impaired driving—not just for the individuals involved, but also for their families, the community, and the healthcare teams dedicated to their recovery. With the unwavering support of her family, care teams, and the community, Emma has been fighting her way back, step by step, day by day.
Despite the accident, Emma shared that she’s excited to get back to all her normal day activities, including walking and driving again.
“I’m so proud of her,” said Shara Bond. “Some days are harder than others in this recovery process, but she knows being positive is going to make her heal faster. Although she’s ready to fly again, she’s still regaining her strength to go back to her normal activities. She is a very strong person.”
In April, we recognized Alcohol Awareness Month to honor Emma and all those whose lives have been forever changed by drunk driving. As Fiesta gets underway, let us come together to raise awareness and prevent impaired driving. Together, we can support those who are healing and work towards a safer community for all.