Family Updates Condition Of Girl Injured At Dells Park

Family Arrives Back In Florida; Girl In ICU

Updated: 10:06 am CDT September 3, 2010

The mother of a 12-year-old girl who was severely injured at a Wisconsin Dells amusement park gave an update Thursday on her daughter's condition.

article READ: State Report Blames Operator Error For Amusement Park Injury

The girl, Teagan Marti, fell about 100 feet to the ground during an amusement park ride. She had been treated at American Family Children's Hospital in Madison since she fell July 30 from the Terminal Velocity ride at the Extreme World amusement park.

On Wednesday, the girl was transferred to Jackson Memorial Hospital in Miami to be closer to her home in Parkland, Fla.

The Marti family held a news conference Thursday saying they are happy to be home. The girl's mother, Julie Marti, spoke to the media at Jackson Memorial Hospital, where Teagan is in the intensive care unit.

The Martis shared family photos of Teagan, including pictures of her on the Terminal Velocity ride and of her at the American Family Children's Hospital.

Julie Marti said Teagan knows she was badly injured but still doesn't remember going on the thrill ride.

"She clearly knows she's had surgeries and that she's trapped in this bed. Before we left yesterday, they wanted to brush her teeth. She said, 'I'll do it myself.' But obviously she can't do it herself, but the determination is there and it gives me a lot of hope because that's how strong she is," Julie Marti said.

Julie Marti expressed again on Thursday how thankful the family is for the outpouring of support, both in Florida from friends and family and also from strangers in Wisconsin.

"If you knew how many letters from strangers, the letters would start, 'Dear Teagan, you don't know me but we're praying for you.' And those letters, just knowing that people are praying for you, it means a lot to us and it's given us a lot of strength," Julie Marti said.

Teagan will stay at the Jackson Memorial Hospital's ICU. Her family said she is stable but has a long road ahead.

Doctors have said she suffered numerous injuries to her brain, spine, liver and other organs and might be paralyzed. The girl has had several surgeries already, including pelvic and back surgery, WISC-TV reported.

The family said they will be trying to celebrate the girl's 13th birthday this weekend.

Comments

Links We Like

Sponsored Links

Advertise With Us Advertise With Us

Local News

Bond was set on Friday for the man accused of fatally shooting his landlord last week on Madison's north side. More Details
videoVIDEO: Watch The Report

Advertise With Us

Survey

Did you bag a deer while hunting this season?
Results | Disclaimer | E-Mail

E-Mail News

Get E-Mail News Headlines When YOU Want Them
 National Breaking News
Daily Weather Forecast 5:30 a.m.
Noon News