[at-l] Follow up on AT Shooting from 12/4/02 AJC

[orangebug74@yahoo.com (Orange Bug)]

Thought there might be some interest in this story. Everything about
this case sounds as if she is mighty lucky to be alive, but still has a
far piece to go toward recovery.

Bill.......
********************


http://www.accessatlanta.com/ajc/epaper/editions/today/metro_d3de0acb80ec50870065.html


Girl wounded on trail by hunter slowly recovers
Doug Payne - Staff
Wednesday, December 4, 2002


A hunting accident almost ruined the Thanksgiving holiday for the
family of 16-year-old Rachel Ferguson, but they now know what a huge
gift they were given.

"This was my best Thanksgiving ever," said Gwen Owens, Rachel's mother.
"God gave her to me twice --- when she was born and again last Sunday,
when he let her live."

Rachel was camping with friends on the Appalachian Trail about 19 miles
south of Blairsville on Nov. 24 when she was shot in the right shoulder
with a .243-caliber bullet. "She said it felt like her arm was torn
off," her mother said.

A hunter, Matthew Bryant, 21, of Suches told investigators he thought
he was shooting at a deer. He was charged by the Department of Natural
Resources with felony misuse of a firearm in the incident and is free
on $10,000 bond.

Rachel was taken to St. Joseph's Hospital in Atlanta, where doctors
initially thought she might be released as early as last weekend. But
Tuesday Owens said her daughter is still on medication and will be in
the hospital until at least next week.

The bullet that struck her is still in her, and doctors don't know when
or if they will try to remove it, her mother said.

"She seems to be in pretty good spirits right now," Owens said, but
"there's still a long road of recovery ahead."

Rachel is now able to walk --- she's able to do three laps around the
nurse's station during rehabilitation, Owens said --- but still has no
use of her right arm. Doctors say complete use of the arm may be
restored after three or four months, Owens said.

Thanksgiving dinner for the Cartersville family had to be canceled, but
it will be served when Rachel comes home, her mother said.

Coming home with them will be a hospital bed, wheelchair and oxygen
equipment that Rachel will continue to need for her recovery, Owens
said. To help defray the ongoing medical expenses, the National Bank of
Commerce on Joe Frank Harris Parkway in Cartersville has set up a
special Rachel Ferguson account for donations, Owens said.



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