After 20 Years in 'Vegetative State' Woman Wakes--Schindler Family Encouraged

Sarah Scantlin was knocked into a coma by a drunk driver 20 years ago has begun to speak and remember her past. Her brain was injured so badly that doctors first feared she would spend her life in a vegetative state, spending years unable to form words or make any sounds other than loud cries.

A week ago Sarah began speaking and doctors have no explanation.

The parents, brother and sister of Terri Schindler Schiavo hope the Florida courts will see this miracle and think of Terri.

Video tape shown today on CNN Headline News of Sarah with her mother is extremely similar to footage of Terri and her mother. Both daughters were unable to communicate in words. Both were labeled as severely brain damaged.

Bob Schindler, father of Terri Schindler Schiavo says, "In light of the miraculous awakening of Miss Sarah Scantlin in Kansas and the success of the new brainwave test reported in the New York Times this week, my daughter deserves to have this test before she is starved to death by judicial decree."

Terri Schindler Schiavo's parents will be traveling to Hutchinson, Kansas to meet Sarah and her family.

"Mental disabilities do not damage a person's worth – the preciousness of life is not defined by one's abilities. Those who suffer a disabling injury are entitled to the same right to life as we all are. Those seeking to take away Mrs. Schiavo's right to life should have second thoughts after hearing Sarah Scantlin's story."

Update: Others Blogging

• Brain Damaged Woman Speaks After 20 Years of Silence


• Scantlin can, why can't Schiavo?li>
  
• Schiavo Case Refused Despite Kansas Miracle


• Score two for Life, minus four for Death


• Hey Mr. Schiavo, are you listening?


• Prayers Are Answered Every Day