COLUMBUS, Ind. — A local figure skating coach who was once a professional skater is facing a long and painful recovery process after being brutally stabbed while on her way to work at Hamilton Center Ice Arena.
Friends have set up a fund to assist with medical expenses for Emaly “Emma” Baxter, 34, Columbus, who was pummeled, choked and stabbed multiple times after a car accident on Oct. 23 at the arena parking lot. The fund, at Centra Credit Union, will be used to defray Baxter’s medical expenses incurred at IU Methodist Hospital, Indianapolis, where she was taken after the assault.
Baxter was in the intensive care unit for three days before she was released from the hospital Tuesday, her mother and fellow skating instructor Katie Baxter said.
While her physical wounds are beginning to heal, Emma Baxter is still experiencing mental and physical pain, her mother said.
“Nights are worst for her,” Katie Baxter said. “From 8:30 to 11:30, she gets so emotionally agitated. Every night, it’s the same thing.”
Although the victim did receive some government health insurance to offset some costs, there are current and future expenses that won’t be covered, Katie Baxter said.
“We’re going to try to find her the best help we can,” Katie Baxter said. “We’ve got everything kind of lined up just as soon as she is able to sit and speak.”
But it could take years of therapy before her daughter fully recovers physically and emotionally, Katie Baxter said.
Financial contributions are being accepted to the “Emma Baxter Account” at all local Centra branches. Donors may either drop off cash or checks payable to Emma Baxter or Katie Baxter that can be deposited in the account.
Individuals can also donate through the digital payment network Zelle under the name Katherine Baxter, skatie@comcast.net, as well as the mobile payment service Venmo at Katherine-Baxter-21. Cards and flowers can be sent to 9302 W. Evergreen Dr. Columbus, IN 47201.
For more on this story, see Friday’s Republic.
