Bloomfield teen partially paralyzed after wreck near Evansville last month

Moriah Doughty, 13-year-old daughter of Tim Doughty of Bloomfield, is now paralyzed from the chest down and remains in the pediatric intensive care unit of the Methodist Hospital after the Dec. 22 accident.

Julie Kirby, who is Doughty's aunt, provided the Greene County Daily World with additional details.

The early morning accident occurred when Moriah was headed back from Evansville where she had attended an event with a friend, Kirby noted.

At the time, Moriah was transported to St. Mary's Hospital in Evansville where she remained until Dec. 24 -- when she was flown to Methodist Hospital in Indianapolis, Kirby said.

"She underwent back surgery Dec. 26 to repair the damage that had been done. Her T-5 and 6 plates exploded ... and they put in rods to stabilize her back."

She also suffered other injuries which include a broken collar bone, shoulder blade and ribs.

"Her spirits are actually good. She's been able to be awake, she's groggy but has been told what's going on," Kirby said. "She told her mom and dad she will walk again."

Moriah still has movement of her arms and "a very good grip," Kirby noted.

But she has a long way to go.

"She's a very, very tough little girl," she added. "She may be there (Methodist Hospital) for months and she may have to have another surgery. They're hoping that another injury will kind of mend itself."

With time and work, she should be able to use a wheelchair.

"We'll have to have physical rehabilitation. It's going to be a long, long road," Kirby added.

The family is just glad to have their beloved Moriah alive.

"We're thrilled. I know that's hard for some people to imagine ... but she's here and that's what's important," Kirby said. "As far as the family is concerned we're blessed that she is here."

The family is also thankful for the recent outpouring of support.

"We are very grateful for everybody that has reached out to us. We're also very appreciate of the prayers and thoughts. They have been a great comfort to the family."

Donations toward Moriah's mounting medical costs can be made at any branch of the Bloomfield State Bank, she noted.

In the near future, modifications to the Doughty home will be necessary.

Moriah is an eighth grader at Bloomfield Jr./Sr. High School -- where she played basketball, softball and volleyball.