Joe Green Comes Out Of His Coma

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By By KOMO Staff

Summary

The 14-year-old boy was in a coma for 28 days after a hit-and-run driver plowed into him as he was crossing the street in a crosswalk.

Story Published: Aug 18, 2005 at 10:26 PM PDT

Story Updated: Jul 24, 2009 at 12:04 PM PDT

Joe Green Comes Out Of His Coma
SEATTLE - For the first time in four weeks Joe Green went outside and felt the sunshine on his face.

His family calls it nothing short of a miracle because just two days ago the 14-year-old was still in a coma after being hit by a car.

"In the last two days he's basically come out of his coma," said his father, Larry Green, with a big smile. "He's progressed so fast that he's amazed the doctors and nurses."

Thursday night Joe's parents pushed his wheelchair outside the hospital so he could enjoy the sun. They watched in awe as he moved his arms and legs, was alert, and responded to their voices.

Joe was in a coma for 28 days. A hit and run driver slammed into him, at 35 miles an hour, as Joe was using a crosswalk in Shoreline. The force of the crash tossed him into the air and Joe landed on his head.

"He's had a lot of prayers for him, a lot of prayers for him," said his dad as he rubbed his son's back. "That's probably what's brought him around so fast -- not probably -- that's what has done it"

Joe still can't talk, but he may. That's just how it is with people recovering from severe brain injuries.

"I'm eager to hear from him what he remembers and when he starts remember," said his mother, Jennifer Green.

The Greens are inspired by Dominick Douglas. He was hit by a different driver in another crosswalk. The two boys are members of an unlikely fraternity.

Dominick stopped by to visit with Joe outside the hospital Thursday.

"It gives us a lot of hope looking at Dominick," smiled Larry.

Dominick's leg was broken in his accident and he spent seven weeks in a coma. Then, one day, he started talking. He still doesn't remember what happened, but his is moving very well these days.

"I'm going to try jumping," said Dominick. "Because I can only jump about an inch off the ground."

The two boys share an unfortunate bond. They both nearly lost their lives to a driver too distracted, going too fast, to see a child in a crosswalk.

"Don't be in a hurry," urged Larry. "Everybody's got to pay attention because hey, our children and our loved ones are out there. We have to do everything we can to protect them."

Saturday, Aug. 20, the Annual Shoreline Parade will be dedicated to four children who were either killed or severely injured when they tried to cross a crosswalk.