Josie Ratley Slowly Recovering: Mom

The mother of Josie Lou Ratley said her teen daughter who was nearly beaten to death just two months ago is making progress but it's slow going.

Hilda Gotay, mother of the 15-year-old Deerfield Beach girl, spoke during a news conference Wednesday, saying her daughter still can't perform basic tasks on her own.

"There's a lot of things she still doesn't know how to do," said a tearful Gotay. "She's recovering very slowly."

Gotay said Ratley, who suffered severe brain damage in the March 17 attack, can't read or write, only speaks certain words, and doesn't recognize colors or know her ABCs.

Ratley is having to re-learn basic things like dressing herself and going to the bathroom, and she still can't walk on her own, Gotay said.

Ratley has been in a rehabilitation center since she was released from the pediatric intensive care unit at Broward General Medical Center in late April.

She had spent over 40 days in intensive care, undergoing a handfull of surgeries. She's expected to be released from the rehab center in a matter of days.  

A photo released Wednesday and taken this week showed Ratley in her bed at the rehab center, sitting up and looking much better than in the heartbreaking photos released shortly after the attack.

Wayne Treacy, the teen accused of attacking her, is facing attempted murder charges.

Several donation drop off points have been established for those who want to donate health supplies and other tools that could be used to aid Ratley in her recovery. For more information, go to www.nveee.org.

Donation Drop Off
Gallery 101
501 N. Andrews Avenue, Suite 103
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301

Fache Arts
750 NE 124 Street, Suite 2
North Miami, FL 33161

The Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale
1799 SE 17th Street
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316

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