Critically injured boy makes 'miracle' recovery

Critically injured boy makes 'miracle' recovery

Brody Upton recovers in a New Mexico hospital .

The family of a New Mexico boy critically injured in a car crash says they are witnessing a miracle.

Brody Upton, 9, was severely hurt in the crash in Alabama three weeks ago. But since coming home to New Mexico, his family says the boy has gotten stronger each day.

Doctors in Alabama said Brody's brain stem had been severed and it was only a matter of time before he died. But after doctors at UNM Hospital evaluated him, they discovered his brain stem had not been severed and told Brody's parents Brody may one day lead a normal life.
Wendell Upton is Brody's father. His two sons were involved the June 30 accident. One son, 11-year-old Rippen, died hours after the collision.

Upton was told Brody's injuries were so severe, the boy would likely die. Doctors said if he survived, Brody would remain in a vegetative state for the rest of his life.
"We were already making the decision on what they were telling us there--that it was over, we weren't going to let him live in that state, there was no quality of life," Upton said.

The family fought hard to get Brody home so he could die surrounded by his family. UNM's Life Guard Air Ambulance flew him home Wednesday.

Almost immediately, Brody showed signs of improvement, his father said.

"He has his eyes open, he can look around the room, he can't quite make out everybody yet. As far as verbal commands, you can tell him to move his arm into a certain position and he can do it," Upton said. "He's moving his feet, his legs, he can move his head."

Brody is doing so well doctors have moved him out of intensive care and into the regular pediatric unit. Brody could be moved to Carrie Tingley to begin rehabilitation as soon as this week.

Doctors say one day Brody will likely be able to walk and talk again, but the family says the road ahead will be tough.

As they try to deal with the death of Rippen, they have Brody's fight and courage to lift their spirits, the family says.

"We have hope now that at least something can come out of this," Upton said. "We salvaged something and that is all I can hope for and be thankful for," Upton said.