After weeks of uncertainty and moments of heartbreak, the family of Scioto County Commissioner Cathy Coleman is sharing some of the most promising news yet: she is now awake and following commands.
In a powerful update shared today by her granddaughter, Coleman is reported to be:
- Moving her toes on command
- Answering yes/no questions by nodding or shaking her head
- Opening her eyes slightly
Though her arms remain mostly immobile—likely due to pain and injuries sustained in the crash—the ability to respond to commands is being hailed as a huge milestone in her recovery.
“PRAISE GOD! Her following commands is a huge improvement,” her granddaughter wrote. “Please continue the prayers. Thank you!”
Encouraging Medical Progress
Beyond her responsiveness, other medical indicators are also improving:
- White blood cell count has dropped by 10 points, indicating progress in fighting infection
- Kidney function remains strong
- Her bowels are now working and doing well
- She received a blood transfusion to address a slightly low hemoglobin level
- She’s still on some blood pressure medication, but doctors are closely monitoring and adjusting as needed
This marks a stunning turnaround after last week’s grim prognosis, when doctors warned that her body might not recover from severe internal trauma and infection caused by the violent car crash that left her critically injured.
From Grim to Grateful
Just days ago, the family revealed that Coleman’s bowels had suffered ischemic damage from blunt force trauma and hypotension during the crash. Emergency surgery removed infected mesh, and doctors warned that if she didn’t show signs of healing in the coming weeks, difficult decisions might need to be made.
Now, with her conscious and responsive, her loved ones say they are holding tight to hope and faith.
“We are still in a waiting game,” her granddaughter said. “But today gave us something we’ve prayed hard for—signs of life, strength, and fight.”
The Road Ahead
Commissioner Coleman, 71, was critically injured in a May car crash that also claimed the life of her beloved dog, Packer. Since then, she has endured multiple surgeries and a long list of complications—yet her fighting spirit never left her, and neither did the community.
Doctors are now focused on gradually waking her, increasing her nutrition, and monitoring her organ function as her body works to heal. No additional surgeries are currently planned unless absolutely necessary.
While the path forward remains uncertain, today’s update has given everyone a reason to exhale—and to believe.
“Today was a prayer answered,” her granddaughter said. “Please keep them coming.”
