Scioto County Commissioner Cathy Coleman continues to inch forward on a long and difficult road to recovery, with her family reporting a series of encouraging medical updates—and holding tight to their faith as her 41st day in the hospital approaches.
According to her granddaughter, Coleman is now off IV blood pressure medication and has transitioned to a pill form, which she is tolerating well. Because her arterial line (A-line) has been removed, doctors are now discussing the possibility of moving her to a step-down ICU floor—a move that would signal a shift toward less intensive monitoring, though nothing has been officially decided.
“She’s still critical, but small baby steps in the right direction,” her granddaughter wrote. “We will take it!”
Encouraging Signs Continue
- White blood cell count is now just two points from normal, signaling steady improvement in her fight against infection.
- She remains on strong pain medication every six hours and is tolerating it well.
- She’s also being given Regennex, a medication that promotes tissue healing and reduces pain.
- Coleman has begun receiving tube feeds, fiber, and a digestive stimulant, with signs of digestive activity beginning to return.
- She is fever-free but running slightly warm; fans and ice packs are keeping her comfortable.
These improvements come just over five weeks after the traumatic car crash in Kentucky that left Coleman with extensive injuries, including a shattered femur, multiple broken ribs, a punctured lung, bowel trauma, and a concussion. Her beloved dog, Packer, died in the accident, adding deep emotional grief to the physical battle.
A Spiritual Milestone
In addition to the medical progress, the family is drawing strength from a spiritual number that meant a great deal to Cathy Coleman: 41. Her granddaughter shared that Coleman often spoke about the significance of the number 41 in the Bible—often seen as a symbol of breakthrough and deliverance following trials.
“Her 41st day is coming,” she wrote. “We hold on to our faith. She’s so strong—but God is stronger.”
A Community Still Standing With Her
Fellow Commissioners Bryan Davis and Scottie Powell have repeatedly asked the public to continue lifting Coleman in prayer, and the community has answered in force. Social media continues to overflow with posts bearing the hashtags #PrayForCathy and #SpeakLife, as cards, messages, and well wishes pour in from around the region.
“We’re seeing prayers answered,” Commissioner Davis said. “Cathy is a fighter—and now she’s showing the world just how strong she really is.”
What’s Next
Doctors will continue to monitor Coleman’s digestive response, work to increase her nutrition, and carefully evaluate her for possible transfer to a lower-level care unit. No additional surgeries are currently planned, and the care team’s goal is to let her body rest and rebuild strength.
As she slowly opens her eyes, follows commands, and responds to questions with head movements, her family says these “baby steps” are nothing short of miraculous.
“Please keep the prayers coming,” her granddaughter urged. “We believe God is working, and we are holding on with all our hearts.”
From a county courthouse to a hospital bedside, Scioto County is watching—and hoping—as one of its most beloved public servants continues her fight for recovery, one moment at a time.
