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Izzy Kitterman returns to Green Country

Posted at 9:43 PM, Nov 21, 2017
and last updated 2017-11-22 05:20:56-05

TULSA -- It's a special Thanksgiving for the Kitterman family as 13-year-old Izzy is finally back in Jenks following a serious car crash in July.

It was a sweet welcome home. The 13-year-old smiled from ear to ear as a friend leaned in for a hug.

"Everyone is very strong and taking one day at a time," family friend Andrea Cook said.

It's all for Izzy Kitterman who has spent the last couple of months at a rehab facility in Bethany to regain movement.

"When Izzy first came here she was essentially dependent, unable to move and we had to use a ventilator to breath for her," Izzy's doctor Steven Couch said.

The teen has improved. A recent video was added to her fan Facebook page.

"She's made a lot of progress," Dr. Couch said. "A lot more than we expected."

July 17 forever changed the teenager's life after the SUV she was in crashed into an 18-wheeler on I-35. The driver of the SUV, Erin Van Horn, and her son Zach were killed. Step-siblings Lizzie Edwards and Beck Kitterman also died. There were two other survivors, Lauren and Sam Van Horn.

"Each step she's shown us she doesn't need the vent, doesn't need the vent pacers and doesn't need her wheelchair all the time," Respiratory Therapist David Owens said.

Love from everyone like the teens TSC Hurricane teammates.

"It's amazing all of the people have reached out to the family and to Izzy," Cook said.

The Kittermans are extra thankful this holiday for their sweet Izzy.

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