Woman receives surprise reunion from her rescuers

SPARTA — When The Fit Experience held its Fall Fitness Fair at its Lafayette Road site in October, Lisa Mueller of Lafayette didn’t realize she was in for a surprise. Then she heard the sound of fire trucks arriving.

“I thought somebody pulled the fire alarm in the building when I heard the horns from the fire trucks,” says Mueller. “I didn’t realize what was happening until they pulled in and I saw it was the Jefferson Fire Department.”

It was the Jefferson Township Fire Department and the Jefferson Township Rescue Squad who had rescued Mueller from a terrible car accident on Route 15 this past May. The accident resulted in Mueller’s leg being amputated, and she credits both organizations with saving her life that night, as well as another driver, Ashley, who pulled over and called 911.

“They brought flowers, and we took pictures,” says Mueller of the tearful reunion.

Mueller has worked at The Fit Experience for nearly four years as a front desk employee, greeting members, selling memberships and giving tours. This position has given her the opportunity to get to know many members and staff on a personal basis. Many of these friends visited her, made dinners for her, and even took her to doctors’ appointments in the months after the accident.

Ray Patrick, one of the fire department responders who helped pull Mueller from her vehicle, was entering The Fit Experience just before Labor Day when Mueller stopped in to say hello. He recognized her and they were able to reconnect. But to meet with the whole department and the rescue squad a month later was even more amazing.

Mueller now wears a prosthetic leg and returned to work three weeks ago.

“I feel like I have been given a second chance at life,” says Mueller. “I’m lucky to be alive and I feel stronger every day.”

“She is a-ma-zing,” says Kerri McEllen, Director of Personal Training at The Fit Experience and a friend of Lisa. “She has the most beautiful, positive spirit. It’s such an emotional story.”

The Fit Experience provides a team approach to health and fitness, and includes physicians, chiropractors, physical therapists, nutritionists and others on staff to give members a well-rounded fitness experience. The Fall Fitness Festival featured a vendor fair, outdoor classes, a bounce house and pumpkin picking. One Step Closer Animal Rescue (OSCAR) was able to place nine animals in new homes that day.

More information:
The Fit Experience is located at 540 Lafayette Rd. in Sparta Township.