Addie Grace comes home

It’s safe to say that Cori Clay has just experienced the longest week of her life. 

Seven days ago her 11-year-old daughter, Addie Grace, suffered a traumatic brain injury after falling off a golf cart and hitting her head. She was airlifted to Blair E. Batson Children’s Hospital and immediately admitted to the PICU unit.

Addie spent the first few nights fighting for her life, unable to wake up for any more than just a few minutes.

Cori credits God and all of the amazing people at both River Region and Batson for the incredible strides Addie has made, because Addie made it home today.

Addie still has a long way to go before she is back to ‘normal’, but both Addie and Cori are relieved to be able to continue recovering at their home.

Addie will be out of contact sports for the next year, which will be hard on the young athlete.

“She starts occupational and physical therapy next week. She also has several doctor visits scheduled. She has repeat scans done in four weeks to see how her brain is healing. She still can’t walk alone, and her balance is pretty bad right now,” Cori reports.

Addie is also struggling to understand the extent of her injury.

“She doesn’t really get it. She thinks she just has a bad headache. Keeping her still is going to be challenging,” Cori said.

Despite those issues, both Cori and Addie are aware of how fortunate they are to be back home so soon.

Cori said, “There are too many people that have helped so far. From the first responders to the medical staff at both hospitals to all of our family, friends, neighbors and even strangers praying for us…it’s overwhelming.”

As Addie settles in at home, Cori asks that guests be limited to immediate family only.

“It’s going to be hard to keep her relaxed and not overstimulated, but I know we’re both up for any challenges that lay ahead.”