April Hughes
On Nov. 24, 2002, April Hughes, 19, of El Dorado was rushed to a local hospital barely hanging on to life after the car she was a passenger in ran off the road, hit several trees, flew 180 yards across a pond and caught fire. Thankfully, witnesses pulled Hughes from the vehicle.

Once at the nearest facility, family members were told her injuries were not that bad. Hughes was stabilized and transferred to BAPTIST HEALTH Medical Center-Little Rock, where physicians realized just how severe her injuries truly were, and told the family.

"We had no idea how extensive April's injuries were. Physicians told us that she might not make it three or four days, and if she did she would more than likely remain in a coma," said Janet Thornton, April's grandmother.

Hughes' extensive brain injuries were caused from her head impacting against the vehicle repeatedly, creating tremendous swelling. Other than medication, physicians had no other way to treat her condition. Hughes was in a coma for nearly four weeks while in critical care.

Eventually, Hughes was transferred to Intermediate Care. "She is still gradually coming out of the coma. She is getting better every day. We really thought we were going to lose her, but we did a lot of praying," said Thornton.

After Intermediate Care, Hughes was transferred to BAPTIST HEALTH Rehabilitation Institute to begin physical and occupational therapy. Hughes is now showing significant improvement. "She started talking today and said the word "mama". I was so excited, I asked her if we could call her mama so she could here her talk, April looked at me and said, ‘Let's call daddy.' I was thrilled. I couldn't believe it. It was like a window had opened," said Thornton.

"The therapists have been unreal. They have been so good to us and made me feel so welcome. It's been amazing to see the transformation April has made in just a few weeks. I can remember when April was 3 or 4 years old, she asked me where God lived. I explained that God lived in heaven. She replied by saying, ‘Grandma, God doesn't live in heaven, he just works there.' I believe that God works at BAPTIST HEALTH Rehabilitation Institute as well," said Thornton.

Shellie Parchman, a physical therapy student who has worked with Hughes since day one, explained Hughes goals before discharge. "We want to see her walking better. Our main goal is to get April walking with just one person and a device, instead of two people. We want to see her gain as much independence as she can," said Parchman.