Bergen 8-Yr.-Old's Recovery Following Crash A 'Miracle,' Dad Says

A Bergen County 8-year-old girl's recovery from a horrific car crash is nothing short of miraculous, but she still has a long way to go, her father said.

Glori Lee is "very responsive" since the Jan. 2 crash on Old Hook Road in Harrington Park, her father said in an update he posted on Facebook about her recovery. (See related: 8-Year-Old, Woman Critical After Bergen Car Crash: Prosecutor)

"Every day she looks different from the prior day," Hans Lee, of Norwood, said. "Her swelling is almost nonexistent now" and she "has been doing much better and started to sleep in longer intervals."

Glori Lee is alert, but still cannot talk and must relearn how to swallow food, walk, and talk. Once she can chew and swallow solid food she will be released from the hospital, Hans Lee said.

"It will be a long journey, but with full faith, [we] believe that God will work and God will be with us every step of the way," Hans Lee said.

Glori Lee had a shattered skull, blood clogs in her spine and punctures to her small intestines, and swelling of the brain following the crash, according to an update on a GoFundMe campaign created to raise money for the Lee family. More than $66,000 was donated to date.

Glori Lee has indicated that she remembers the accident that severely injured her, Hans Lee said. She communicates with her father by simply squeezing his hand, which means "yes." Letting go of her hand means "no."

"I asked Glori, ‘Do you remember what happened?' After a short pause she grabbed my hands ever softly and began to cry," Hans Lee said. "I spoke to her softly and said, 'Glori, daddy is so sorry your cross is so heavy.' I cried beside her."

Hans Lee said people have reached out to him and his family since the accident.

"I cannot express enough the awe-inspiring support you have shown us," he said. "Even though most I do not know personally, I am blown away by your show of affection and love for us. Thank you. Thank you so much."

Email: daniel.hubbard@patch.com

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