An 82-year-old North Carolina woman is being called a living miracle after surviving nine days trapped in her bathtub.

Joan Rivet fell while getting ready for bed, injured her back, and was unable to climb out. With her phone out of reach and no one nearby to hear her calls, she spent more than a week alone in the tub.

To stay alive, Rivet came up with a remarkable solution: she used her foot to turn on the faucet and splashed water toward her face so she could drink. She says her faith helped her endure the pain and isolation, and she never gave up hope of being rescued.

The breakthrough came when her brother, who calls her every week, became concerned after several unanswered calls. He requested a welfare check, and deputies found Rivet semi-conscious in her bathtub. She was hospitalized for dehydration and other complications but is now recovering through physical therapy.

Despite the ordeal, Rivet remains optimistic, saying she’s grateful for simple comforts like food, water, and a warm shower. Her story is inspiring neighbors to check in more often on people who live alone — and serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of hope, determination, and community.