After a rollercoaster of medical emergencies and emotional pleas for prayer, Scioto County Commissioner Cathy Coleman is making what her loved ones are calling a “miraculous” comeback.
Just days ago, Coleman’s recovery seemed to be on track after a devastating head-on crash in Kentucky. She was moved from intensive care to a step-down room at Grant Medical Center. But that glimmer of hope quickly faded when she suffered a serious medical setback and was rushed into emergency surgery for a life-threatening infection.
Her family warned that she had become septic and underwent surgery to remove a section of bowel, which doctors said was the source of the infection. The outlook was grim, and the family once again asked the community to lift her up in prayer. A flood of support followed, with county officials, local leaders, and everyday citizens calling for a spiritual outpouring.
Then came the news everyone had been praying for.
“The last 24 hours have been miraculous,” read an update from the Scioto County Commissioners’ Office. “The infection has subsided and labs are heading in the right direction. 100% improvement per the medical staff. She is still in ICU but improving. Thank you for praying!! Please keep praying for complete healing and continue to pray for family and friends as they travel to and from the hospital.”
Coleman’s granddaughter shared the good news as well, celebrating the moment doctors confirmed her surgery was successful.
“She’s out of surgery. Doctor came out and said they closed her—everything looks good!” she wrote on social media. “Praise the Lord!!!! God is good and this is a miracle!!! Continue the prayers for no more setbacks and that she can get on the road to recovery!!!!”
Again, on Monday, the updates seem positive. “Good night of rest . Vitals , lactic acid , white blood cell count look good. Her weight is going down from fluids. Trauma will be making rounds around 9-10 just to check on her. I’ll keep an eye out for her lung scope test and the breathing on her own test. Not sure if they will be done or resulted today but I’ll keep everyone informed! She is still intubated!“
The Crash That Shook a County
The ordeal began Thursday evening when Coleman, 71, was critically injured in a violent crash at a malfunctioning traffic light in Kentucky. She had been driving with her beloved dog, Packer, on a simple errand to get Big Boy and ice cream—Packer’s favorite treat.
The crash knocked Coleman unconscious. Weather conditions made it impossible to life-flight her from the scene, so she was rushed to Grant Medical Center in Columbus, where doctors discovered extensive injuries: a shattered femur with an open wound, eight broken ribs, a punctured lung, a broken hand, and deep lacerations from head to toe. She also suffered a concussion.
Adding to the heartbreak, Packer was killed in the crash. The bond between Coleman and her dog was well-known throughout the community.
Scioto County Unites in Faith
News of the accident quickly spread through Scioto County and beyond, sparking a wave of prayers, cards, flowers, and social media messages.
“She is one very loved lady, that’s for sure,” said one family member. “We are getting bombarded with everyone’s prayers, love, and support.”
Coworkers, constituents, neighbors, and fellow public officials have all weighed in—offering comfort, encouragement, and calls for continued prayer.
“Pray for healing of her physical injuries, as well as her broken heart,” one supporter wrote. “Let us shower her in prayer. In Jesus’ name, amen.”
A Long Road Ahead—But Not Alone
While the recent update has lifted spirits and renewed hope, Coleman still has a long journey ahead. Doctors continue to monitor her closely, and more procedures may be necessary depending on how her body responds.
But she’s not facing it alone.
From courthouse steps to church pews to kitchen tables, Scioto County is praying for one of its own—and watching as faith, hope, and love help carry her back from the brink.
#PrayForCathy continues to trend locally as a symbol of a community’s commitment to one of its most beloved public servants.