Follett starting to regain her memory

Still hospitalized after a serious car accident on March 24, Redmond High School sophomore Jessie Follett does not yet recall the circumstances leading up to her head-on crash with a school bus that afternoon. But she's regaining other memories about her family, friends and favorite activities, as well as her sense of humor.

"At this point, Jessie simply knows to a small extent that she was in accident but she does not know specifics nor has there been discussion on the specifics, as the focus is on her recovery and not going over the past just yet," said Ronda Thomas, the Follett family's close friend and designated spokesperson.

According to Thomas, Follett was cheerful throughout the Easter weekend and responsive to conversations about music, movies, classes and more. Friends and family have taken turns chatting with the 16-year-old cheerleading and dance enthusiast, who has even translated some Spanish in recent days.

Follett has "shared many feelings about people she loves, about what she wants to do, where she wants to go and the determinations she has," Thomas mentioned in an e-mail update. "We talked about her not getting frustrated and making sure she stays patient, focused and positive. She shared memories of cheer and dance, something we all know she lives, breathes and has an intense passion for, and we talked about how there's even more for her to set her sights on now, and in the future, too."

Follett also has been visited by the firefighters who came to her rescue at the scene of the accident and helped to get her moved to Harborview Medical Center in Seattle.

"For them to come take their time out to see and check on her is testament to the heart and soul these men put into their job and the obvious care and concern they have for each life they come into contact with, touch and save in so many cases," Thomas commented. "Jessie loved having them there as was evident in her huge smile as they surrounded her .... understandably so!"

While Jessie's loved ones remain optimistic about her recovery, they also know that it may be a long time before she is able to return to her home and school. Their mantra has been, "It's a marathon, not a sprint," Thomas said. "But we know in the end, Jessie will cross the finish line with flying colors. Like one of her favorite songs says, 'Life Is A Highway' and Jessie is full-speed-ahead!"

Community members can send get-well wishes to Jessie at www.caringbridge.org/visit/jessiefollett

Donations toward her medical expenses will be gratefully accepted at any U.S. Bank branch.

Contact Redmond Reporter Reporter Mary Stevens Decker at mdecker@redmond-reporter.com or (425) 867-0353, ext. 5052.

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