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PROVO — Maddison Jones, who was severely injured in an accident and was in a coma for a month, is making remarkable progress. And her family says it is a story of courage and faith.
When "Maddi" arrived in the rehab unit of Utah Valley Hospital two months ago, she was not able to move any of her limbs.
Now with the help of her physical therapists, she is walking. Each step takes her closer toward recovery.
"The progress that she's made has been phenomenal," said Dan Stevenson, physical therapist at Utah Valley Hospital helping in Maddi's recovery. "Every day, she's doing something new that she couldn't do the day before."
She has had to learn how to do everything again.
On Oct. 10 Maddi suffered multiple injuries in a car accident in Utah County. She was in the passenger seat and hit broadside.
She had broken ribs, lungs were punctured, her liver was lacerated and she lost a kidney; but the worst was a traumatic brain injury. Maddi spent nine weeks in the intensive care unit.
"When she came here, she wasn't moving either one of her legs," said Maddi's mother, Merilee McClellan.
Maddi works through pain, frustration and exhaustion.
"Maddi's a fighter," said Stevenson. Maddi's therapists say she has such a strong spirit that, for them, her progress is deeply personal.
"It's fun to be able to develop a relationship with your patient and their family ... and to pray for them."
And support continues to flow in from more than 9,000 Pray4Mad Facebook followers:
I love all of your inspiring posts since day 1. You have an amazing support system, all around the world. Isn't that great? Lots of love for Maddi.
She is such an amazingly strong girl. Go Maddi! You've got thousands of people from all around the world cheering you on!
I am so excited for the progress she is making. I hope to meet this beautiful young lady someday.
I'm still praying for her every night... And I am also praying for you guys as well. That you will have peace and comfort. I don't even know any of you personally but I do care and I am praying. God bless.
Even though I do not know Maddi, I continue to pray for her comfort and that of her family.
God bless you and your family. Prayers heading your way from the East Coast. I live in VA.
McClellan said these comments bring her strength.
"We are the beneficiaries of their love and prayers," said McClellan. "It's been an amazing experience."
For McClellan, Maddi's daily progress and the support of her therapists build her up.
"There's never been a lack of hope," McClellan said. "It's because of her. She's just working so hard. And them, they're miracle workers!"
Slowly, Maddi's personality is emerging. Her mother said she is starting to laugh.
"She's learning how to eat and drink. Eventually, she'll be able to talk again, we're sure of it ... we're sure of it."
Her therapists recognize her courage. Stevenson said they always look forward to working with Maddi.
"We're always competing for who gets to work with her that day," Stevenson said. "I do feel like we're friends."
Maddi and her therapists still have a lot of work to do, but her family members say they continue to be grateful for all of the good wishes and prayers on her behalf.
Maddi's mom is with her every day. McClellan said she has never lost hope. Maddi can now blow a kiss, and her mother said it is to all of those who have sent so many messages of love.
McClellan said she would never have chosen this for her beautiful daughter, but she has learned about strength and patience.
"Some days, I felt weak. Some days, I felt like my fear was bigger than my faith. But, in the end, faith wins."
Contributing: Xoel Cardenas
