Calgarian attacked in Mexico out of coma
By Katie Schneider ,Calgary Sun
First posted: Tuesday, January 24, 2012 10:06 AM MST | Updated: Tuesday, January 24, 2012 07:12 PM MST
Attack on Calgary woman in Mexico a familiar refrain for grieving Albertan
Calgary woman victim of violent attack in Mexico
CALGARY - After being brutally beaten at a Mexican resort, Calgarian Sheila Nabb has awoken from her coma and is now on the long road to recovery, her family said Tuesday.
Nabb, 37, who was vacationing at the Hotel Riu in Punta Cerritos, Mazatlan with her husband Andrew, was found unconscious and bloodied in an elevator, the victim of a vicious attack now under investigation by state police.
In a statement, her brother Paul Giles and sister Kathy Carmichael said Nabb was brought out of her medically induced coma at a Mexican hospital Monday afternoon and will have surgery later this week to repair the severe damage to her face.
“She recognized Andrew and his father, was responsive to questions, and was able to understand and follow directions,” they said.
“This is excellent news as it would appear that there is not any brain damage.”
Nabb is also breathing on her own through a tracheotomy and without a ventilator.
“She was able to indicate that she felt some pain, but her jaw is wired shut so she was unable to communicate verbally,” they said.
Nabb is scheduled to have facial reconstructive surgery later this week based on results of CT scans she had Tuesday.
“She has a long road of recovery ahead of her, but we all know that Sheila will pull through this with the support of everyone she has ever met, and many that have never met her,” her siblings said.
“Our family wants to thank everyone who has offered their prayers and support though this trying event.”
They said Andrew has remained a “pillar” through the traumatic ordeal.
“It just goes to show exactly how much he truly loves her,” they said.
Police found bloody tracks in a hallway and believe Nabb may have been attacked somewhere else and dragged to the elevator, Mexican media reported.
Reports from Mexico said one police source was told by hotel staff Nabb had been drinking with someone earlier Thursday night.
A trust fund at TD Canada Trust has been set up to assist with expenses not covered by insurance.
The fund is set up as David Peterson in trust for Sheila Nabb, transit number 8072, account number 6519124.
katie.schneider@sunmedia.ca
On Twitter: @SUNkschneider
Beaten Calgarian in Mexico comes out of coma...fingers crossed for her and her family
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