Injured league player waits for surgery to fix damaged vertebrae

A Toowoomba Rugby League player remains in hospital with severe spinal injuries as the community rallies to support her long road to recovery. See how you can help.

Dalby Diehard's player Mikaela Lankowski (front) fractured her vertebrae in a Toowoomba Rugby League women's match on Sunday, May 12. A GoFundMe has been launched to help Mikaela through surgery and recovery.

Lying in her hospital bed awaiting surgery Mikaela Lankowski is adamant her comeback will be greater than her setback.

The Dalby Diehards vice-captain damaged her C5, 6 and 7 vertebrae in a tackle during her side’s Toowoomba Rugby League women’s match against Gatton Hawks on Mother’s Day.

“She went into a tackle and her head was not quite in the right spot,” Dalby women’s captain Sarah Milton said.

“I think she wanted to get up after the tackle so the game could go on but everyone told her to stay put.

“When she said she felt some tingling in her hands everyone said don’t move ... you’re not moving until the ambulance arrives.”

Lankowski was transported to Dalby Hospital before being moved to Toowoomba Hospital and eventually Brisbane’s Princess Alexandra Hospital.

Scans confirmed a fracture and two breaks in three of her vertebrae and Lankowski is now awaiting surgery.

Dalby Diehards player Mikaela Lankowski takes the ball downfield.

“It’s heartbreaking really,” Milton said.

“Every weekend we’re out there doing something we love and then everything changes in an instant.

“Mikaela is a truly wonderful person, very unassuming.

“She reached out to the girl that she tackled to say ‘don’t worry it’s not your fault’.

“I don’t think she realises how great a footballer and person she is.

“She loves her footy, is a great leader, person and gives her all in everything she does in life.

“She is the life of the party everywhere we go and everyone remembers her but she never wants or needs the attention.”

Lankowski’s connection to the club runs deep.

Her sister plays alongside her in the open women’s team and her younger brother proudly wears the Diehards jersey as well.

Her injury sent shockwaves through the Darling Downs and South West Queensland communities but the ‘positive’ response has been almost instantaneous.

A GoFundMe has been set up with Lankowksi, who is employed as a cleaner at Dalby Hospital, facing multiple surgeries and a lengthy rehabilitation period.

“We (Dalby Diehards women’s team) are a very tight knit group and we’ve naturally rallied behind Mikaela,” Milton said.

“We’ve been in contact with her and she’s kept a smile on her face pretty much the whole time even – that’s just the type of person she is.

“She is very positive, determined and she keeps saying ‘I’ll be right … I’ll be back soon’.

“Now we’re doing everything to support her through what will be a very tough time.

“We can’t thank Gatton Hawks enough either through all of this.

“They reached out to say all their girls wish Mikaela all the best and want to help in any way they can now and in the future.

“They’ve been truly wonderful.”

Originally published as Injured league player waits for surgery to fix damaged vertebrae