‘I didn’t want my son to live without his mom’: B.C. mom shares story of survival after devastating crash

A Richmond mom is lucky to be alive after a crash left her with devastating injuries.

A B.C. mother is sharing her story of survival after a devastating crash left her with life-threatening injuries and a long road to recovery.

Julia Kwan was struck by a dump truck while crossing a Richmond intersection on Nov. 4, 2024. The case is now before the courts.

“When the accident happened, I was mostly feeling shock,” Kwan told CTV News. “I looked down and saw my leg and it was – just – I thought I was going to lose my leg.”

She was rushed to Vancouver General Hospital (VGH), where trauma teams moved quickly to stabilize her condition.

Dr. Philip Dawe, a trauma surgeon at VGH, says Kwan was critically injured when she arrived.

“Anytime people have lost enough blood that they’re showing changes in their vital signs that are that significant, we know we need to catch up,” Dawe said.

Kwan suffered catastrophic injuries, including internal bleeding, a ruptured spleen and multiple fractures. Medical staff worked urgently to stabilize her.

“(It was) at least a dozen people around the bed, with all hands on deck and all eyes in,” said Dawe.

In the midst of the chaos, Kwan says her focus quickly turned to her family.

“I truly think what kept me alive is the thought that I didn’t want my son to live without his mom,” said Kwan.

She underwent eight surgeries, spent six days in intensive care and nine weeks in hospital.

More than a year later, Kwan says life is starting to feel more normal. She continues to deal with post-traumatic stress and has more surgery ahead, but says the experience has changed her outlook.

“I value the time with my family, my friends and that’s really what I want to bring to the rest of my life,” said Kwan.

“I knew it already, but she really proved how strong she really is physically and mentally, especially,” said Andrew Kwan, her husband of 16 years.

As part of her recovery, she’s created “Dumptruck Goods,” designing illustrations for products like mugs and totes as a way to find humour in what she’s been through.

“Sometimes, the best way to get through something really hard is through humour – even though it’s a little dark,” said Kwan.

Kwan is now sharing her story to support the VGH Hometown Heroes Lottery. The lottery raises money for medical equipment and patient care across B.C., including VGH, while also supporting firefighter-led burn and trauma programs.

Kwan says she’s grateful for the team behind her recovery.

“I can’t even put into words how thankful I am,” said Kwan. “They did save my life.”