9-year-old girl recovering at Tampa hospital after hand torn off by shark, family says
TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — A 9-year-old girl who nearly lost her hand in an apparent shark attack Wednesday is recovering from surgery at a Tampa hospital, according to a report from NBC affiliate WBBH.
Leah Lendel was snorkeling in the water off a Boca Grande beach with her family at the time of the incident.
Flags to be flown at half-staff across Florida Thursday
Her mother, who was just feet away, said her daughter went underwater to snorkel, then came up and screamed. The girl's arm was covered in blood and her hand was nearly completely severed from her wrist.
They rushed back to shore, where a nearby construction crew jumped in to help. Boca Grande fire officials confirmed that the injuries were consistent with a shark bite, but first responders did not see the shark when they arrived.
According to Boca Grande fire officials, Leah was flown to Tampa General Hospital, where she underwent a 6-hour surgery. Her mother said surgeons managed to reattach her hand.
'They had to get arteries from her leg to the hand. Got the blood flow back to her hand. Install pins in bones. Still has open tissues. They will be monitoring her here for a week. But thank God she can move her fingers,' Leah's mother, Nadia Lendel, told WBBH.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Associated Press
40 minutes ago
- Associated Press
Effortlessway Aesthetic Redefines Med Spa Excellence in NYC with Microneedling and Sculptra Treatments
Effortlessway Aesthetic in NYC emerges as a premier destination for natural, non-surgical beauty enhancements, offering personalized microneedling and Sculptra treatments to modern New Yorkers. New York City, USA, June 14, 2025 -- In a city brimming with aesthetic options, Effortlessway Aesthetic distinguishes itself by delivering a curated, high-touch experience that prioritizes natural beauty. Located in Manhattan's Midtown East, this med spa is designed for clients seeking subtle, effective enhancements with minimal downtime. Effortlessway Aesthetic is quickly becoming the go-to choice for discerning New Yorkers through its expert microneedling and Sculptra treatments. Effortlessway Aesthetic, nestled in the heart of NYC, specializes in non-invasive procedures that enhance natural features and promote long-lasting skin renewal. Microneedling, a cornerstone treatment, stimulates collagen production to improve skin texture, reduce fine lines, and enhance radiance. Combining with Vitamin B12( for long-term results ) and LED light therapy, Microneedling results become super fantastic. Paired with Sculptra, a cutting-edge injectable that gradually restores facial volume and stimulates collagen for a youthful, lifted appearance, these treatments deliver results without the need for surgery or extensive recovery. A Personalized Approach to Aesthetic Treatments 'Our clients want to look refreshed and confident, not transformed,' says Jennifer, founder of Effortlessway Aesthetic. 'Microneedling and Sculptra allow us to achieve that balance, natural, elegant results that enhance without overpowering.' Effortlessway offers a serene, personalized experience for both new and returning clients. Consultations are thorough, and treatments are customised to individual needs, ensuring every visit feels unrushed and thoughtfully crafted. Microneedling and Sculptra are particularly popular among busy professionals, creatives, and women who value long-term skin improvements without the telltale signs of cosmetic intervention. Clients report smoother, tighter skin and a natural glow, with minimal discomfort or downtime. Satisfied Clients Praise Results A recent client shared: 'The experience was different from any other med spa. Jenna took the time to understand my goals and recommended microneedling with Sculptra. The results are subtle but incredible. I look like myself, just better. I'm hooked.' Drawing clients from Manhattan, Queens, Brooklyn, Hoboken, and Harlem, Effortlessway Aesthetic continues to grow through word-of-mouth and personal referrals. Appointments are available by reservation only, beginning with a customized treatment plan and culminating in results that speak for themselves. About Effortlessway Aesthetic Effortlessway Aesthetic is a boutique medical spa in Manhattan, New York City, specializing in non-surgical facial rejuvenation. The clinic offers microneedling, Sculptra, Botox, dermal fillers, PDO thread lifts, and other skin renewal treatments, all delivered with a focus on natural, elegant outcomes. Effortlessway redefines modern beauty in NYC with its thoughtful, client-centred approach. Contact Information Effortlessway Aesthetic Phone: 929-246-0405 Email: [email protected] Address: 141 E 55th St, New York, NY 10022 Media Contact Info: Name: Effortlessway Aesthetic Email: Send Email Organization: Effortlessway Aesthetic Website: Release ID: 89162326 In case of identifying any problems, concerns, or inaccuracies in the content shared in this press release, or if a press release needs to be taken down, we urge you to notify us immediately by contacting [email protected] (it is important to note that this email is the authorized channel for such matters, sending multiple emails to multiple addresses does not necessarily help expedite your request). Our dedicated team will be readily accessible to address your concerns and take swift action within 8 hours to rectify any issues identified or assist with the removal process. We are committed to delivering high-quality content and ensuring accuracy for our valued readers.
Yahoo
an hour ago
- Yahoo
Gold Coast Health Plan Denounces Sharing of Medicaid Enrollment Data with Department of Homeland Security
CAMARILLO, Calif., June 14, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Gold Coast Health Plan (GCHP), the local Medi-Cal plan for Ventura County, is deeply concerned about the possibility of sensitive Medicaid enrollment data—including names, addresses, and immigration statuses—being shared with the Department of Homeland Security as reported by the Associated Press. According to the article, the data sharing was conducted "despite internal objections from Medicaid officials" and without consent from states, health plans, or members. The data includes information from individuals in various states, including California, that allow those with "unsatisfactory immigration status" to enroll in Medicaid programs funded by state dollars. "This breach is not just a policy failure—it is a moral one," said Dr. Felix Nuñez, GCHP's chief executive officer. "Trust is the foundation of our health system. Undermining that trust by turning health care into a tool of immigration enforcement jeopardizes the well-being of entire communities. We must protect the right to seek care without fear." Laura Espinosa, chair of GCHP's governing board, the Ventura County Medi-Cal Managed Care Commission, said news of the data release has heightened the anxieties of a population that is already on edge due to increased activity of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Border Patrol agents in recent days. "We stand with our community in denouncing the relentless targeting of our immigrant communities," Espinosa said. "Any use of Medicaid data to further target specific communities will cause irreparable damage." GCHP became of aware that false rumors were circulating in the community indicating that GCHP had shared the information with ICE. "Gold Coast Health Plan did not release, and will never release, any private member information to immigration authorities," Dr. Nuñez said. "Any rumor suggesting otherwise is completely false and deeply harmful to the communities we serve." About Gold Coast Health Plan Gold Coast Health Plan proudly serves more than 240,000 Medi-Cal members in Ventura County through its network of primary care physicians, specialists, behavioral health providers and hospitals. Since it was founded in 2011, Gold Coast Health Plan has been committed to providing access to high-quality care and improving the health of its members, which include 1 in 3 county residents, 1 in 6 seniors, and 1 in 2 children up to the age of 5. To learn more, visit: View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Gold Coast Health Plan Sign in to access your portfolio
Yahoo
an hour ago
- Yahoo
Is cataract surgery really that bad? 4 biggest questions answered by an ophthalmologist, plus signs and symptoms not to ignore
While it's not as sunny an experience as retirement, grandkids or cruising, cataracts are, unfortunately, in the cards for many of us as we age. However, despite the anxiety-provoking nature of eye surgery, cataract surgery is nothing to be feared, according to an ophthalmologist. This Cataract Awareness Month, we decided to delve into the common medical procedure and answer all of your burning questions. What are the signs and symptoms of cataracts and what should patients know about the procedure? Scroll down to find out. This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Contact a qualified medical professional before engaging in any physical activity, or making any changes to your diet, medication or lifestyle. This article was originally published in 2024. A cataract is a cloudy area in the lens of the eye (behind the iris and the pupil) that gradually leads to a decrease in vision. Cataracts can vary in size and are extremely common, impacting almost everyone as they age. According to the Canadian Association of Optometrists, cataracts may develop slowly over several years or form rapidly in a matter of months. If you get regular eye exams, your eye doctor may diagnose you with a cataract before you experience any vision loss. Symptoms vary depending on the severity of the cataract. Because cataracts can develop over several years, someone with an early-stage cataract may not experience any symptoms. However, as the severity and size of the cataract grow, symptoms may include: Blurry, foggy or double vision Decreased night vision Seeing halos around lights Seeing dull or muted colours, or having difficulty identifying certain colours Sensitivity to bright lights Consider cataracts the grey hairs of eye health, as they impact almost everyone as they age. "It's one of those things that if you live long enough, [you] will develop cataracts," says Dr. Ken Roberts, a consultant ophthalmologist at Horizon Health Network in New Brunswick. More than 3.5 million Canadians live with cataracts, which is more than double the next leading cause of vision loss (age-related macular degeneration). Because it's so common, cataract surgery has become the number one most-performed surgery in Canada. It's in the "same category as wisdom teeth," says Roberts. "We all get them. It's just that common." While sunglasses and antioxidant-rich foods may help slow the growth of cataracts, with every candle on your birthday cake, your risk of developing them increases. In Canada, more than 80 per cent of cases are diagnosed in populations aged 60 and over. In groups younger than 60, early-onset cataracts may be linked to diabetes, trauma, or inherited genetic conditions. Cataracts, in almost all cases, are completely treatable. Modern cataract surgery is a safe, routine procedure typically done in less than 30 minutes. While the setting may differ depending on local healthcare resources, the surgery is commonly done in an outpatient setting. During cataract surgery, your eye surgeon will remove the cloudy crystalline lens from the eye and replace it with a clear implant known as an intraocular lens. Despite its surgical nature, Roberts says most patients don't require needles or stitches. To simplify, "the procedure is done by ultrasound," he says. "We freeze the eye with a gel that works extremely well," so while you may feel subtle pressure or your doctor touching your face, "nothing is painful." While cataract treatment is not a "spa day," it's not anything "you have to bear," Roberts tells Yahoo Canada. Post-procedure, most patients comment that it "wasn't so bad." Because "we've done so many cataracts over the last 20-30 years," eye surgeons know what to expect and are "very good at predicting the cases that we're going to have trouble with." While some people may recall cataracts used to have to be "ripe" (i.e. dense) to be operated on, surgeons no longer have to wait until patients are legally blind to perform the procedure. "Generally, we look at pulling the trigger for cataract surgery once [patients] have complaints," Roberts says. "If they can't see well at night, are changing their glasses prescriptions every six months, or no longer meet the driving standards, "then we look at removing cataracts. We [no longer] have to wait until they're severe." The "nice thing" about cataract surgery is that it's "normally a one-and-done per eye," he says. The surgery "will last a lifetime," so pending complications, you're free to go and live your life.
