OCEANSIDE, CALIFORNIA (ANS) -- Noted pastel artist Sally Strand suffered a spinal contusion after she was hit by a wave in Southern California on July 23rd, which left her arms temporarily paralyzed. She spent several days at Scripps Hospital and has regained feeling in both arms.

Strand (left) receiving arts award in New York, with Wendy Caporale and Daniel Greene

Strand was inducted into the Pastel Society of America's Hall of Fame two years ago, and her art was featured recently at the Butler Institute of American Art. She teaches art workshops throughout the U.S. and Canada. (www.sallystrand.com) 

As Strand paddled toward the shore Friday afternoon on a body board, a wave broke on her unexpectedly and threw her head-first into shallow water. When she came up she cried out weakly, "Help, I can't move my arms."

When onlookers reached her, she had no use of her arms and blood covered her face. Her face absorbed the impact with the sand, which resulted in a broken nose and bruises from forehead to chin. Miraculously, a doctor vacationing from Tacoma, Washington stood nearby and immediately came to her aid. Dr. Joseph Regimbal stabilized her neck, asked questions to assess her condition, and coordinated paramedic support.

Her family is thanking God she did not drown, she has no fracture and no lasting paralysis. God also provided a doctor on the scene almost immediately. She will be in a neck brace for six weeks. Her family requests continued prayer against any chronic, lasting pain in her upper arms and shoulders -- a serious concern for Strand as an artist.

As word went out about Strand's injury through several prayer chains, Strand and her family felt loved by many. They are trusting God for a full recovery