VILLA RICA, Ga. - A birthday trip to the Dominican Republic turned tragic for a metro Atlanta nurse who now faces a long road to recovery.

What we know:

Katie Bullard, an emergency room nurse at Tanner Medical Center in Villa Rica, was celebrating her 28th birthday when she dove off a boat and broke several vertebrae, according to friends and family.

After being flown back to Atlanta for treatment, Bullard underwent surgery at Grady Memorial Hospital on Wednesday and remains in the intensive care unit. Her family said she has been accepted to the Shepherd Center, where she will begin rehabilitation.

What they're saying:

"The only thing Katie has personally asked for is prayers," said Kaley Astin, a longtime friend. "She’s a strong girl and she’s going to fight this with everything."

See Full Page