Mar 7, 2007 10:24 am US/Eastern
Colorado Woman Wakes After Almost 7 Years In Coma
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (CBS) ―
A Southern Colorado woman who was in a vegetative state for more than 6 years recently woke and spoke with CBS affiliate KKTV in Colorado Springs Colo.
Christa Lilly had a heart attack and a stroke in 2000. That's the last thing she remembers. She slipped into a vegetative state in November of that year. Her family said she was in what is essentially a coma, but with her eyes open.
Lilly was unconscious and unaware of her surroundings, doctors told the family. Now, almost 7 years later, she's awake and aware.
"I think it's wonderful. It makes me so happy," Lilly said.
Lilly said her biggest frustration is learning how to talk again.
"This is a miracle," Lilly's neurologist, Dr. Randall Bjork, said.
He checked to see her how her brain is functioning. He said he's as surprised as everyone else.
"This is all mystical and I can't explain it," said Bjork.
Lilly's mom said her daughter has woken four other times in the past, but never like this.
There's a chance Lilly could slip back into her vegetative state but her family is hoping she's back for good.
(© MMVII, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
