Exclusive: Cyclist hit by SUV speaks out

TYLER, TX (KLTV) - Kristin Blaise, the cyclist hit by a distracted driver in August, is only speaking to KLTV about her recovery.

She was riding on Old Jacksonville Highway with another cyclist, who had fallen behind the group, when an SUV hit Blaise. She suffered a broken pelvis, broken ribs, and a spinal fracture.

Cards, flowers, and notes from friends, family, and even strangers line her rehabilitation room window. She does not remember much from that night, but the last thing she can recall is the chilling moment of impact.

"All of a sudden I was just flying past [the other cyclist], and that was it," Blaise said.

Blaise said that if the driver of the SUV did not hit her, he could have been injured worse. Blaise marked one month since her accident on Tuesday, and said that she has been motivated by her friends, who visit her everyday.

"Not one day have I gone without a visitor of some sort, and it's overwhelming that people think that highly of me," Blaise said.

Looking back, Blaise said that even though she's still in pain, she does not feel bitter toward the driver.

"It makes me feel sore, I mean I'm all broken, but I'm not bitter or angry," she said.

When it comes to the future, and her recovery, Blaise said says she knows what needs to be done.

"For me, I'm a hard worker, and this is just work for me to get back to my old life," she said, "I have to put in the work."

Blaise said doctors expect her recovery to last several months, adding that the metal screws in her spine might be there forever. She hopes to be out of rehab in time for a charity auction on October 2, which benefits her recovery.

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