Teen Dragged Under Truck Begins Road To Recovery
Alive by a miracle.
Shawntae Caldwell, 17, of Las Cruces has been in the hospital for the past month-and-a-half.
But this holiday, her family says, they have everything to be thankful for ? because she is alive.
“She was in ICU, she was on the respirator,? Araceli Caldwell, Shawntae?s mother, said. ?I didn’t know what was going to happen.?
Shawntae cannot use her arms, lost a finger, and her left breast, Araceli said. But the sparkle in her daughter?s eyes remains as she begins her long road to recovery.
“She’s having to start from the beginning?walking,? Araceli said.
As reported on ABC-7 this past October, a thick, black streak in the middle of Comanche Trail was residue from Shawntae?s dragged body. Investigators said she was run over and pinned underneath a moving truck for nearly 150-feet, or about half a football field.
“It’s hard to believe that anyone could do something like that to another human being,” Araceli said.
In and out of surgeries for the past 6-weeks, Shawntae is now at the Rehabilitation Hospital just east of Mountain View Regional Medical Center in Las Cruces, her family supporting her every step of the way.
?Well I figured since she?s my sister she’s always there for me, and I know if it was me she would stand by my side, so now it’s my turn to stay with her,” Dashawne Caldwell, Shawntae?s 16-year-old sister, said.
On this special holiday, Araceli said they are giving thanks for the miracle that saved her little girl?s life.
“I’m really thankful that my sister’s here with me because I don’t know what I would do without her,” Dashawne said.
Shawntae?s family is spending Thanksgiving in the hospital beside her bed.
“I?m very thankful that she’s alive,? Araceli said. ?I’m thankful for the community, my family and friends because if it wasn’t for their support I don’t know how I would have gone through this.”
Shawntae?s only holiday wish this year is that she will be home for Christmas, Araceli said.
She still has a number of surgeries ahead. The family set up an account in Shawntae?s name to help out with hospital bills. To make a donation, click on the ?Hot Button? on the Homepage.
