Doctors had given up hope that Anasia Brazile, who was critically injured in a July vehicle crash, would ever wake up from the accident.
Terri Thomas said they were wrong about her daughter — and they were.
Thomas said things are looking better for the pre-teen girl who has been recovering from her injuries in a Pensacola, Fla., hospital since the crash.
Meanwhile, two people responsible for the injuries of a young girl and the death of a teenaged boy in July are still behind bars charged with murder in connection incident.
Brazile, 11, and Nicholas Robinson, 13, were passengers in the bed of a pickup truck that officials say was being driven by a person under the influence of alcohol or other substances. The other person in the cab of the truck charged in the crash is Robinson’s mother — the woman who allowed the children to ride in the open bed of the vehicle, officials said.
Thomas said Anasia is showing improvement steadily during her healing process and is continuing to amaze friends and family.
“She has been awake for a little while now,” Thomas said. “Just Monday she started to swallow. That’s a big improvement. If she can continue to swallow and begin to build herself back up, they can take out the trach tubes.”
Anasia was taken off a ventilator after she began to breath on her own. The process of complete removal of assistance in breathing was a slow process, leaving the ability to assist if needed in place by the trach tubes, Thomas said.
“She is smiling and laughing now, especially when I sing to her or act silly,” Thomas said. “When there are other kids around and it gets a little loud, she’ll laugh then, too. It’s just amazing to see such a change.”
Anasia remains in the care of as many as seven physicians at Sacred Heart Hospital and is the subject of prayer around the community, Thomas said.
“Today is a new day,” Thomas said. “She is being cared for by some wonderful people. We have good people praying for her every day. This weekend, the people at Divine Temple will be holding a special time of prayer for Anasia during the evening service on Sunday. We are blessed.”
Although Thomas admits the child has miles to cover to get to complete recovery, she believes Anasia is on her way.
“When she yawns, she moves her extremities,” Thomas said. “There are some muscle issues, but no paralysis that we can see yet. We know we have a long way to go, but we’re moving. We’re taking baby steps right now.”
Earl Dickerson, the driver of the truck, and Angela Robinson have been charged with murder in the death of Nicholas Robinson who was thrown from the truck when it crashed on Travis Road July 22. It is unsure if charges will be filed in connection with injuries sustained by Brazile in the incident.
Robinson remains behind bars at the Escambia County Detention Center without bond due to a violation of parole from a previous conviction. Dickerson also remains behind bars at the Escambia County Detention Center on $150,000 bond.