Community Corner
Brianna Wittman Makes Progress on Road to Recovery
The recent Moorestown High School graduate, though still in a coma, briefly opened both her eyes last week, according to her family.
Eighteen-year-old Brianna Wittman, in a coma since a tragic car crash June 11, opened both her eyes on multiple occasions last week as she continues to recover.
According to a post on her CaringBridge website last Sunday, she opened both her eyes two days in a row, her brother Joey wrote. “Brianna continues on the path to recovery. The doctors have been allowing her to breathe on her own for short periods of time … We still do not know the extent of her injury because she is still in a coma.”
Cooper University Hospital has declined to release Brianna’s current condition at the family’s request, and Moorestown school officials have also declined to comment based on the family’s wishes. Moorestown Patch has been unable to reach family members or friends for comment.
The graduate sustained severe injuries in . She was driving south on 295 when she was struck on the driver's side by John Ropley, veered off the highway and struck a tree. Ropley, of Holland, PA, was charged with careless driving and an unsafe lane change.
Brianna’s family accepted her diploma at the Moorestown High School commencement last month, following a moment of silence, and administrators encircled the family with hugs.
Many community members have offered their support to Brianna and her family through the CaringBridge website, which had up to 2,791 visitors as of Sunday. A number have left words of encouragement for the teen and her family:
"I long every day to hear that you are making strides in your recovery. I know you are working very hard at it. Just know that there are so many people supporting you in your effort. Your strength and faith will bring you through this."
"Dear Brianna, You are in our thoughts constantly. We pray that your inner strength and faith in God will bring you closer to recovery everyday. We are all praying for you."
"Brianna, I know you share your mom's traits of strength and courage. There is no doubt in my mind you will make a full recovery. Thoughts and prayers."
Friends have also taken to Twitter, using the hashtag #PrayforBrianna since the accident to show their support.
To leave a message or donate to CaringBridge in honor of Brianna, visit her CaringBridge website.
Stay with Moorestown Patch as we continue to provide updates on this story as they become available.
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