Progress for library assault victim

TAMPA - She sits at the piano, playing 'Heart and Soul.' For now, she has help.

The 19-year-old woman who was brutally attacked outside Bloomingdale Library 16 months ago longs to play. Her occupational therapist works with her fingers, helping her strike the piano keys.

She still can't talk, walk or swallow. But she is now able to sit up, with some assistance.

For the first time, her mother is now talking about her daughter's progress.

"Today, I'm so excited. I know she's come back from a long way," she told FOX 13.

Sixteen months of pain and fear has turned to hope. Occupational therapist Tara Lonzo said the young woman is an amazing person.

"She's one of the most motivated people I've ever met, and she's so self-determined and has a drive I've never seen in a patient."

Doctors told her family that she can now see shapes and colors. It's something doctors couldn't imagine a few months ago.

"She looks at herself in the mirror and smiles. She can see her face now."

Seven days a week, she works with therapists. Many of them are volunteers who came to help once the insurance wouldn't pay for it all.

Back on April 24, 2008, the young woman was viciously beaten, police say, by then-16-year-old Kendrick Morris. She was set to graduate high school that June and would be a sophomore at UF this year.

Her mom has since quit her job and now cares for her daughter 24 hours a day.

"Very tired, sometime very stressful. And very busy. Sadness. Very emotional too. But she makes me laugh," she added.

The family is living on contributions and Social Security. Her mom can't work because she has to take care of her daughter.

A fund is set up at all SunTrust banks under the name "Bloomingdale Library Assault Victim." The money is set aside for the young woman's medical care only.