It's official, Josie Lou Ratley is out of a coma and moving around in a wheelchair. Rick Freedman, the family's attorney, said Josie Ratley can't speak and has limited functionality in her right arm, hand and fingers.
Dr. David Lasko said it's unclear how much neurological damage Ratley suffered but said that her steady progress to this point gives him hope about how far she could progress. Dr. Lasko described Josie as a "remarkable young woman." The doctor also stated that Josie is recognizing individuals by her vital signs or by the response on her face as well as responding to commands physically.
In the news conference today, the family attorney, Rick Freedman said, "Josie has experienced a traumatic brain injury. The area of the brain that has been most damaged is to the area that includes the ability to communicate. Josie cannot speak, Josie cannot walk and Josie has limited function in her right arm, right hand and right fingers." He went on to say, "Josie will require extensive and long term rehabilitative care, including physical therapy, occupational therapy and speech therapy. Finally, Josie is scheduled to undergo surgery next Monday, April 19th."
As many fundraisers spread throughout our community, the family attorney stated today, "Josie does have Medicaid coverage that we expect will cover a large portion of the hospital bills but we want to remind the public that any money raised for Josie will be deposited in a restricted trust account and will only be used for her medical care and expenses related to her injury, rehabilitation and future care."
You can help support the Ratley family through prayers, support and more. Join the Pray for Josie Lou Ratley Facebook Group.
Get Well Cards can be sent to:
Broward General Medical Center
Patient Josie Lou Ratley
1600 S. Andrews Avenue
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316
954-355-4400
You can donate at any Wachovia Bank branch or mail your donations to:
Wachovia Bank
2989 PGA Boulevard
Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33410.
Please make checks payable to "The Josie Lou Ratley Fund".
Every little bit helps and every pray is appreciated.
Watch video of news conference: click here.
Comments
Nearly bullied to death? That sounds a bit stupid, there was no 'bullying' involved, it was revenge. I'm sure she got what she deserved after making those jokes.
I agree with Anon, if anything, /she/ bullied her attacker, who was already in an unstable and fragile state of mind, and provoked that infuriated response from him. Both parties are at fault here, but I hold more sympathy for the boy than this girl. Where are the donation funds to help him!
Avon or wat ever ur name was Josie is a great friend and would never have meant those jokes she's a great friend this I now I new her since kindergarden so please stop with the mean remarks not just anybody!!!! What the boy did was horrible now my friend might never achieve her dream of being an artist if she can even get her memorie back!
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