Beating The Odds

We often hear about people who are killed in drunk driving crashes, but we don't always talk about those who survive. Alison Zerger is one such person. Her struggle to recover has already been going

Friday, August 11th 2006, 10:27 am

By: News On 6

We often hear about people who are killed in drunk driving crashes, but we don't always talk about those who survive. Alison Zerger is one such person. Her struggle to recover has already been going on for three years and she still can't talk or walk again.

News on 6 crime reporter Lori Fullbright has Alison's inspiring story.

Alison is the youngest of four children. Her family photos show a darling, active girl, who liked to go on vacations and hang out with friends. Her special passion was gymnastics. She did it all, was the leader of the team at Union and even taught younger kids.

She had goals, dreams and plans, like all 16 year olds, until December 12th, 2003. That night, a friend gave Alison a ride home from work and a drunk driver hit their car.

The friend was killed; Alison had terrible head injuries. She was in a coma and now struggles to do the most basic things.

Alisonâ€™s father Peter Zerger: "Now, her goal is walking, not on a balance beam, just down the hallway is a bigger achievement than what she accomplished previously."

Alison has a rigorous schedule of physical and speech therapy. She's done much more than some doctors predicted because both she and her parents refused to give up. Dr. Mark Cobb with Total Physical Therapy: "Their spirit and her spirit are why she's doing so well. I have no doubt she'll keep showing progress. You'll get there. When you can run, I'll let you look into the refrigerator."

Alison is smart as a whip and has lots of opinions about the world around her. She graduated high school and has taken some classes at TCC.

She communicates through a computer. Lori Fullbright: "How do you keep such a positive attitude?" Alison uses a mouse to type sentences, and then the computer says Alison's words. "Gymnastics taught me to stay tough."

Her goal is to one day live on her own and have a career, all huge accomplishments that begin with small steps.

The girl in the other car was also 16. The Zerger's say she was cited for DUI. They say it's frustrating that she is living her life, walking around, talking to friends and going to college, all things Alison should be doing.

When I asked Alison what she'd like to be able to do most of all, she said, talk. She is starting to get her voice back little by little. Her progress is measured in months, not hours or days.