There was a little bit of good news for the family of Josie Lou Ratley as they celebrated Easter in her hospital room Sunday, as doctors said she's starting to move in her bed.
Ratley, 15, spent Easter Sunday with mom Hilda Gotay Ratley at her side at the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit at Broward General Medical Center.
Though she's been in a coma for 18 days, doctors yesterday reduced the coma inducing medication, allowing Ratley to "slightly move around in her bed," according to Ratley family attorney Rick Freedman.
Freedman also said doctors are trying to get Ratley to breathe on her own again with the help of a ventilator.
The Ratley family made the most of yesterday's holiday, bringing a big Easter basket to the teen girl's bedside. The basket had a big bunny as well as some of Josie's favorite things, including art supplies, bling jewelry and her favorite candy, Hershey's chocolate.
Ratley has been at the hospital, in a coma, since the brutal March 17 attack outside Deerfield Beach Middle School.
Wayne Treacy, 15, was arrested in the brutal attack, which was allegedly revenge for a text message Ratley had sent him about his brother who had committed suicide.
Police said Ratley was punched, knocked to the ground and had her head repeatedly slammed on the concrete by Treacy, who stomped on the girl with his steel-toed boots.
Ratley has already had surgery on her skull to relieve pressure and prevent internal bleeding inside her head.
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Prosecutors said Treacy will be charged with premeditated attempted murder.
"The Ratley family wants to thank all those that have sent their best wishes and prayers for Josie's speedy recovery and wishes everyone in South Florida a Happy Easter," Freedman said.
Two fundraisers are being held next weekend for Josie Ratley. The first is Saturday, April 10 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the West Broward Community Church in Southwest Ranches. The second is Sunday, April 11 from noon to 4 p.m. at CJ's Drafthouse in Deerfield Beach.
Donations can be made online at ForTheInjured.com or make checks out the Josie Lou Ratley Fund and drop off at any Wachovia Bank or the Gordon & Doner Office located at 4114 Northlake Blvd. Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33410.
