Ramona/Julian Dance Studio Helps Parent in Serious Accident

Kristine Griffin, Chris Pederson and daughter Chloe Pederson, standing behind Nanette Pederson and Hannah Griffin.

By Laura Calverley

When Kristine Griffin, owner of the Ramona/Julian Dance Academy, heard that Nanette Pedersen, the mother of one of the dancers at the studio, was in a serious auto accident, she knew she wanted to do something to help.

Shortly before Christmas, she sent a letter to the 400 families who attend the studio, explaining the situation — that Pederson’s legs were so badly injured she could not walk and the insurance company was not paying for the nursing care she needed — and asked for donations. The Dance Academy would match all the contributions received before Jan. 10.

Griffin’s efforts, and the response she received, were great examples of what can be accomplished when a neighbor helps a neighbor. And according to Pederson, it showed what “a great community we live in.”

“The response was overwhelming,” said Griffin. “We were thrilled that we could help.”

“When Kristi told me she wrote the letter, I was very surprised,” said Pederson, who has been bedridden since the accident. “I’ve never seen such kindness.”

In January, Griffin presented Pederson with a check for $5,685 to go toward Pederson’s medical bills and nursing care.

“She gave me the checks and I was bawling,” Pederson continued. “I felt like George Bailey at the end of ‘It’s a Wonderful Life’ when everyone is giving him the money.”

“People who don’t even know Nanette contributed,” said Griffin. “Even some of the children gave a few dollars.”

The accident in October happened on the windy part of San Vicente Road. A 17-year-old boy lost control of his car and drove head on into Pederson’s car. Her injuries were severe. Both knees were shattered, her ankle smashed, her shoulder and arm were injured and she suffered a collapsed lung and lost part of one ear. She has already gone through one 14-hour surgery. Pederson has not been able to work since the accident.

“I can’t put my weight on my feet right now,” said Nanette. “I’m hoping eventually I’ll be able to use a walker.”

A nurse takes care of Pederson 12 hours a day. The nursing care can cost thousands of dollars a month.

“The accident changed her life,” said Griffin. “Her rehab will take a long time, but she has an awesome attitude.”

Pederson’s 16-year old daughter, Chloe, has been going to the Ramona/Julian Dance Academy since 1999. The studio has been in Ramona for 20 years.

“I can’t say enough about Kristi and the studio. My daughter loves it there. It’s such a warm atmosphere; it’s like her second home,” Pederson said.

“Ramona is so kind. You’d never see this in the city or down the hill. It helps so much.”

Anyone interested in helping Pederson and her family can contact Griffin at the Ramona/Julian Dance Academy at (760) 789-1711.

Photo by DARREL Kinney