Tire rim flies through windshield, severely injuring teen on her way to SF concert

SAN FRANCISCO (KGO) -- What was supposed to be a fun night out in San Francisco for a mother and daughter from Fresno ended with more than a week in the hospital and several surgeries.

Emma Fulton, 14, was so excited to see her favorite band, "My Chemical Romance," perform at Oracle Park on Saturday, July 19, but she never made it.

"She's listening to bands I grew up to, so it's really neat," said mother Danielle Shackelford, 41.

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Emma and Danielle were on their way into the city, listening to the band's playlist, and had just picked up Taco Bell for dinner. Just before 8:30 p.m., they were getting ready to merge onto I-580 outside of Tracy.

"Everything changed in a second," said Danielle. "Just out of nowhere in a split second."

Danielle heard what sounded like an explosion, and when she looked to check on her daughter in the passenger seat, she was horrified at what she saw.

"There's this metal rim off a tire that is on top of her," explained Danielle through tears. "I pulled it off of her and there was no response... and I just started to scream."

Danielle managed to pull over and call 911 for help.

South San Joaquin County Fire Authority responded along with Alameda County Fire.

The next 15 minutes felt like an eternity to Danielle, as Emma laid there with her eyes blank and mouth open.

"All of a sudden, she looked over and grabbed my hand and said 'Are you OK?'" said Danielle. "As soon as first responders got there, I jumped out, begged them to save her and they went into action. They stabilized her and got her into that ambulance."

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The next nine days were spent between San Joaquin General Hospital and UC Davis Medical Center.

"It wasn't real life, you know, like any moment I was going to wake up and it was just one horrible nightmare," said Danielle.

Emma's injuries range from her head, face, chest, to her abdomen. While many are visible, her mother is most worried about what you can't see, including a fractured skull, liver laceration, and even internal bleeding. Fulton had to undergo several surgeries, including skull reconstruction.

"I don't think I slept for 40 hours straight, just by her bedside in case she needed something," said Danielle.

While in the hospital, the Tracy Fire Department surprised Emma with a card, flowers, and even a T-shirt.

"The firefighters that were on scene were just absolutely amazing. They calmed me down, said, 'We're all fathers. We got you,'" said Danielle.

Danielle also praised the medical team at the hospital.

"Bless those nurses, doctors, surgeons," said Danielle.

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Emma is looking at six to nine months of recovery, with many follow-up doctor appointments, physical therapy, and occupational therapy. She'll miss the start of the first year of high school.

"I get an extra-long summer break," joked Emma.

"She has a good way of looking at the bright side, so I'm really thankful," said Danielle. "She keeps me grounded."

Some day, Emma even hopes to celebrate getting past this chapter.

"She wants to have a survival party," said Danielle, as Emma laughed. "With eyeballs on the cake, scar down the middle, silly things!"

Emma and Danielle hope they'll get to redo their girls' trip one day and finally make it to see "My Chemical Romance."

"We'll make it to that concert at one point or another, right?" said Danielle.

A GoFundMe page set up for Emma has raised over $18,000. The fundraiser will help with medical expenses.