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Teen hit by snow plow in January walking again, ready to go home

Posted at 5:42 PM, Aug 02, 2016
and last updated 2016-08-02 17:42:09-04

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. -- A West Michigan teen has a reason to celebrate Tuesday after spending months recovering from a terrible winter crash.

Loren Kroll was hit by a snow plow in January while waiting for the school bus.   She was flown to the hospital in critical condition.  Now, after months of recovery and rehabilitation, she's about to go home.

Kroll says it's a daily struggle.  Seven months ago she was unable to dress herself or sit up in bed on her own.  Now, she's walking on her own.

"We started going five steps at a time... with a walker, to ten steps," said Starr Vander Hart, a pediatric physical therapist assistant at Mary Free Bed.

In May, Kroll was given a day out of the hospital soshe could attend her high school graduation. Now, she's getting ready for the 4-H fair with her pet steer and chicken.  She's excited to walk on her own and go shopping with friends.

"To see a patient go from when they go in and can't walk, can't get dressed, can't do anything for themselves... to see them go home is extremely rewarding," said Mary Free Bed occupational therapist Jennifer Ancans.