Scioto County Commissioners shared an update on the condition of beloved Commissioner Cathy Coleman.
Reports say Cathy has made some encouraging strides in her recovery. She is now off the ventilator and is responding to commands, moving her arms and legs, and showing signs of alertness. She remains very weak and tired, but every small step forward is a blessing. Cathy is still in the ICU, but she has come a long way from those first frightening hours after the accident.
However, recovery is rarely a straight path. Her family reports that she experienced a minor setback recently. While being moved for routine care, Cathy became sick and is believed to have aspirated. Her breathing has worsened, and she’s now back on blood pressure medication after a drop, with her heart rate running high. Doctors are doing all they can to avoid putting her back on a ventilator, but it remains a possibility if needed. Antibiotics have been started, and a chest X-ray has been ordered to check for pneumonia, though her earlier cultures showed no growth.
Cathy is exhausted, and while she’s able to say her name and recognize loved ones, it’s taking great effort. One family member shared how hard it was to leave her side and return to work, asking all of us to continue lifting her up in prayer.
As many of you know, this heartbreaking journey began with a violent crash at a malfunctioning traffic light in Kentucky. Cathy had simply been running a quick errand with her cherished dog, Packer, when tragedy struck. Her injuries are extensive: a shattered femur with an open wound, eight broken ribs, a punctured lung, a broken hand, deep lacerations, and a concussion. And the loss of Packer, her constant companion, has added an emotional wound to her physical ones.
Despite the pain and uncertainty, one thing remains constant: the outpouring of love from this community. Scioto County continues to stand behind Cathy with prayers, cards, and heartfelt messages. Your support is lifting her and her family more than words can express.
The road ahead is long and uncertain, but Commissioner Cathy Coleman is a fighter—and she’s not fighting alone. Please continue to #PrayForCathy and #SpeakLife over her healing.