NORFOLK, Va. (WAVY) — Tonasia “Nada” Edwards left Children’s Hospital of the King’s Daughters on Wednesday, marking the end of a seven-month journey that took her to three hospitals after an October car crash left her with a traumatic brain injury.
“It’s a miracle, hands down,” said Alice Edwards. “It’s a wonderful feeling. We have been waiting for this for so long. It was like finally!”
The 16-year-old was in a coma for five months before waking up at the Children’s Hospital of Richmond in March. She suffered a broken pelvis and collarbone in the crash.
Most recently, she’s been at CHKD receiving speech, occupational and physical therapy to help strengthen the right side of her body.
“Her therapist said she worked like 100 times harder than what she’s ever worked and kept saying, ‘What time do I go home? What time do I go home?’ She’s excited,” said Mrs. Edwards.
Doctors say Nada will be able to return to normal classes in the fall at Wilson High School in Portsmouth. Mrs. Edwards says Nada will be classified as a senior.
Nada’s goal is to walk across the stage at graduation next June.
Her first order of business when she gets home is a big family dinner!