Ashley Judd is opening up about the road to recovery after a terrifying leg injury that completely changed her life. The beloved star of Sisters shattered her leg in four different places and suffered nerve damage during an adventure in the Democratic Republic of the Congo back in early 2021. This wasn’t just any accident—it was a life-altering experience that left a lasting impact on her both physically and emotionally.
A Heartfelt Message to Fans
In a candid Instagram post on Monday, May 13, Ashley expressed her gratitude to her supporters who have been cheering her on through thick and thin. "Y'all are truly amazing for rallying behind me, and I can’t tell you how much it means when you ask about my leg and foot recovery," she wrote. "That accident in the DRC was absolutely brutal—on a scale of one to ten, it was probably a hundred. I owe everything to the incredible people who saved my life and kept my spirits high as I was carried out of the dense jungle for 67 grueling hours to finally receive medical care and that first shot of pain relief."
What Happened That Fateful Day?
For Ashley, the accident happened during an evening hike. At 56 years old, she tripped over a fallen tree because her headlamp malfunctioned, making it nearly impossible to see the path ahead. "It was pitch black, and I didn’t realize there was a tree root right in front of me," she recalled. "Before I knew it, I was down, and my leg was shattered in multiple places. It was one of the scariest moments of my life."
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A Journey Filled with Challenges and Triumphs
Recovering from such a severe injury hasn’t been easy, but Ashley has faced each challenge with resilience and determination. "It’s been such a long and winding road to get where I am today," she shared. "I battled a rare parasite that even made its way into the New England Journal of Medicine because it was so unusual. Then came mono, significant weight fluctuations, and finally, a diagnosis of a sleep disorder that explained why I always needed naps during long movie shoots. Through it all, I’m so thankful for SAG/AFTRA union insurance and my incredible healthcare team—they literally saved my life."
Ashley faced yet another setback in 2022 when she suffered another leg fracture shortly after the passing of her mother, Naomi Judd. Despite these hurdles, she remains committed to her rehabilitation. With the help of a physical therapist and strength trainer, she’s working tirelessly to regain her strength and mobility.
Rebuilding Strength and Confidence
Ashley’s recovery journey is nothing short of miraculous. "We’re focusing on rebuilding the nerve that was once paralyzed and the leg that doctors thought might need to be amputated," she explained. "My goal is to get back to the activities I love—hiking on uneven terrain, carrying a heavy backpack, and doing exercises like reverse lunges on stairs while holding uneven weights. These are all things I never imagined I’d be able to do again, but here I am proving the skeptics wrong."
She added, "I can now sit cross-legged, something I was told I’d never be able to do again. The balance and control I’ve regained are truly incredible. My therapist even has me pause mid-motion and turn my head to test my stability. It’s like, ‘Hey, look at that bear!’ And guess what? I can do it. It’s all about pushing boundaries and embracing every small victory."
A Message of Hope and Determination
Ashley wrapped up her heartfelt post with a message of hope and determination. "When I had my nerve conduction study back in 2021, the doctor told me, ‘I don’t think this foot will ever move again.’ Well, to that doctor, I say, watch this. I’m realistic, so of course, I feel a little nervous about tackling places like Yellowstone National Park. But at the same time, I’m thrilled by the challenge. Yellowstone, I’m coming for you, and I can’t wait to see what you have in store!"
