CLAY COUNTY, Fla. – A Clay County family is calling their son’s rapid turnaround nothing short of a miracle.
RELATED: Clay County community rallies to help 18-year-old recover from brain injury
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Last month, 18-year-old Jerry Elsberry III was in a hospital bed with a brain injury, a fractured skull and tubes keeping him alive.
Now he’s back home, walking, talking and even lifting his little sister.
“A month ago, we didn’t know if he would be here or not,” Melissa said. “We were told that the doctors weren’t sure if he’d come through.”
Jerry was injured after he jumped on the hood of a friend’s car. The friend sped off, then hit the brakes, causing Jerry to fall and hit the back of his head.
Part of his skull had to be removed.
“I don’t remember the incident happening or me making the decision,” said.
Jerry is the second-oldest of eight siblings, and retruned home from the hospital earlier this week after nearly a month stay.
A visible dent on his head marks where surgeons removed part of his skull. He is set to begin physical and occupational therapy soon.
Despite the long road ahead, Jerry is approaching recovery with optimism. Even joking about the opportunity for a fresh start on his hair.
“Because I get to manipulate how my hair grows now,” Jerry said. He mentioned he wasn’t happy with the haircut he had before the accident.
He also shared gratitude for the people who prayed for him. “It means a lot,” Jerry said. “And I really appreciated it.”
Melissa said Jerry will meet with his neurosurgeon soon to schedule surgery. The family is hopeful he will have the portion of his skull that was removed put back before Christmas.
Melissa said the removed portion is in the hospital on ice.
To help the family during this time, you can go here.