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Lexi takes first breaths on her own
By MAURA POSSLEY of The Bradenton Herald - 5/31/2008
PALMETTO --
A toddler who has been in a coma since late last year after a swing set in Palmetto fell and critically injured her was sporadically breathing on her own Friday.
Lexi Antorino took her first breaths since the December accident at about 3 a.m. in her Palmetto bedroom, said her mother Sarah Antorino, who was alerted to the tot's breaths by a machine.
"So I just took her off the machine and she just kept breathing," she said.
The toddler continued for 12 minutes before her ventilator had to be reattached. About 7 a.m. she breathed on her own for 16 minutes and again just after 11 a.m. for 18 minutes. The family was videotaping the milestones.
"This is the first time she's ever done that, and they said she would never do it," Sarah Antorino said. "We're giving God all the glory."
The family planned to discuss the developments with Lexi's nurse.
"She'll be up by June 1," her mother said.
The good news came a day after Lexi and her parents received a $15,600 check from organizers of a concert held earlier this month at Braden River High.
The Antorinos visited Braden River to receive the check, which will go toward continuing care for Lexi. Among those present for the presentation were Kirsten Walley, outgoing student government president, and her successor, Cara Pogan. Also present were rocker Rick Derringer and his wife, Jenda. |
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