Mount Pearl Deputy Mayor Nicole Kieley is speaking candidly and openly about her recovery following a horrific accident last year.

Last May, Kieley was involved in an accident at the Lemarchant Road Shoppers during which a car smashed into the front doors of the store, leaving her pinned underneath the vehicle.

She was hospitalized for months as a result and underwent several surgeries, including the amputation of her leg.

Yesterday, Kieley spoke in public for the first time since her accident, at a PerSIStence Theatre fundraiser in support of their campaign to erect an Armine Nutting Gosling statue in Bannerman Park.

She calls speaking at the event a “huge milestone” that admittedly felt overwhelming at times.

When asked about what gives her the strength to speak publicly about her struggles, Kieley believes that there is “courage in vulnerability.”

Kieley says it is okay to be imperfect because it is that exact quality that will inspire others, say that “the struggle is everything.” She says the more she talks about it the stronger the message is.