Lights on for life

A Tulsa family says a tragedy isn't going to spoil their holidays. <br><br>In October, an alleged drunk driver hit Chris Birch's car and partially paralyzed him. KOTV's Donn Robertson has

Saturday, December 16th 2000, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

A Tulsa family says a tragedy isn't going to spoil their holidays.

In October, an alleged drunk driver hit Chris Birch's car and partially paralyzed him. KOTV's Donn Robertson has more on how the nation paid respect Friday to victims like Birch.

In a blink of an eye on October 1st, a 35 time marathon runner was turned into a man where every step monumental. A little shake is no big deal for someone who was told he would never walk again. Chris' wife, Pam Birch says "for the doctor to say it wasn't going to happen and it happened. It's pretty awesome. "It's rare to hear the word awesome used to describe a family overcoming a tragedy.

Chris Birch's family says being angry isn't worth their time. Pam adds, "we've said through this whole thing, we are not going to get bogged down in the emotions of this. We are going to stay positive. It's a waste of time to think about all this other stuff." "We are going to think about what we are going to do and that we are going to get better. We are going to get through this."

On October 1st, Birch's car rolled twice. He was wearing his seatbelt, but his head hit the cage of his Geo-Tracker and his brain stem was badly injured. Prosecutors charged the man who hit Birch, Tommie Farmer, with inflicting great bodily harm while driving under the influence.

The nation recognized drinking and driving victims such as Chris Birch by turning on their lights during the day. Its called "Lights on for Life Day." Birch's younger sister is a teacher at Jarman Elementary for Union Public Schools. As part of the observation, her students... made ornaments with his picture. They now hang on a tree in the State Capitol, along with the wishes of other drunk driving victims.

Birch's wishes are simple, to be able to talk and run again. A judge arraigned the man who hit Birch's car Friday afternoon. The Tulsa County DA's office charged Tommie Farmer with inflicting great bodily harm while driving under the influence. His attorney says there is not a day where Farmer doesn't feel remorse. Brett Swab says, "we are going to take responsibility in this case, we are going to do what the state and the judge wants us to do as far as taking responsibility so we are going to proceed forward with that viewpoint." As the case against Farmer moves forward, he wears an ankle monitor and spends his time at home or work. The Birch's are also suing Farmer, asking for money to take care of Birch's family.