Nearly nine months after a serious ATV accident, Lane Merrell,12, is pushing as hard as he can.
“In a flash he was in the ICU and all of Idalou was in the waiting room praying for him,” said Lane’s mom, Amy Merrell.
In late May of 2015 DPS reported that Lane and a friend were riding an ATV when it rolled over. Lane’s father, Warren Merrell said emergency crews headed their way while he gave his youngest son CPR. Lane was airlifted to UMC in critical condition and spent several months hospitalized.
“He lost the ability to swallow, talk, he couldn’t walk,” explained Amy. “He could kind of stand, but not at first.”
After months of recovery, and huge backing from the Idalou community. Lane was able to return home in time to start sixth grade at Idalou Middle School.
“He has gone from not holding his head up to walking, talking, eating, drinking,” said Amy. “You take those things for granted.”
The lively 12-year-old is battling a traumatic brain injury, which severely affected his right arm, but it doesn’t stop him from making thumbs up signs to putting his shoes on. All with the full support of his loving parents.
“They’re the best mom and dad,” said Lane.
Lane’s parent give thanks to the Idalou community for their endless support and devotion to their family.
“We just want to thank them and the gratitude and appreciation is immeasurable, you can’t even put a limit on it because it’s been so amazing and overwhelming in the best way possible,” Amy said as she thanked the help and support from the Idalou community.
In school Lane is kept busy, he attends four classes then he and his mom head over to Lubbock for therapy.
Idalou Middle school principal Josh Damron said they’re all proud of his remarkable recovery.
“Because of where he was in the hospital, that was an emotional time and those emotions have carried over,” said Damron. “When we’re years down the road and he walks across the stage as a senior it’ll still be emotional then.”
Full of life and laughter, the sweet, energetic sixth grader says he’s a fighter. And while on his road of recovery he aims to improve one other very important thing.
“I want to be able to play video games like I use to,” said Lane.
KLBK’s Melissa Adan played several rounds of video games with Lane after their interview and Lane won four rounds, proving he still plays like a pro.