2002 SHERO: Tillie Tooter

The Miami SOL proudly honored Tillie Tooter from Pembroke Pines in Miami as its fifteenth SHERO of the 2002 season on August 9, during its game against the Cleveland Rockers at the AmericanAirlines Arena. Tooter, an 85-year-old woman who courageously survived a car crash and then endured three nightmarish days of being trapped in her vehicle while waiting for help, was named a SHERO for serving as a living example of the triumph of the human spirit.

The SOL’s ceremonial SHERO tradition took place at halftime as the AA Arena lights dimmed and Tooter was presented with an official WNBA basketball that had been autographed by the entire Miami SOL team and an official customized SOL jersey with her name on it.

Almost two years ago, Tooter was driving east on Interstate 595 en route to pick up her granddaughter at the airport when another vehicle slammed into her. Tooter’s car was forced over a railing and off the highway, falling almost 40 feet and into a bug-infested swamp area. Adding to the treacherous situation, when the vehicle landed, it was turned upside down. Because the driver who was at fault drove off and did not report the accident, Tooter was forced to endure three long days of torturous conditions as she waited for help while trapped in her car. The then 83-year-old fought to survive in the hot, humid August heat that climbed above 90 degrees, as swarms of mosquitoes stung her.

Throughout the nightmare though, Tooter relied on her survival skills to help make it through the ordeal alive. For nourishment, she sucked on a cough drop and chewed a piece of gum. To avoid dehydration, she drank water by absorbing rainwater with her golf socks. And after three unimaginable days, Tooter was finally rescued when 15-year-old Justin Vannelli, who was walking along the highway while picking up litter with his father, happened to look over the railing and saw her there. It took 25 rescue workers to extract her from the wreckage, and she was quickly taken to Broward General Medical Center to receive care for her bruises, scrapes, insect bites, and blisters covering her body. Through it all, Tooter defied all odds, made national headlines and proved that age does not diminish the strength of the human spirit, which has the power to conquer some of life’s greatest obstacles.

Congratulations Tillie!