Aurora Shooting Victim Becomes a Dad While in a Coma
When Katie Medley gave birth to a healthy baby boy on Tuesday, her husband was with her at the hospital. But he wasn't in the delivery room - he was in a medically induced coma on the floor below.
The Medleys were in attendance at the midnight showing of "The Dark Knight Rises" in Aurora, Colorado. Caleb Medley was shot in the eye and taken to the hospital in critical condition. He underwent three surgeries and remains under heavy sedation in intensive care.
Meanwhile, his wife welcomed their son, Hugo Jackson Medley, into the world. Katie was not injured during the shooting and went ahead with her scheduled delivery, but switched hospitals to be close to her husband. She said that she could feel his presence and she was more comfortable with him nearby.
"He was in surgery," Katie told CBS News. "He was having brain surgery while I was in labor. It was crazy."
After Hugo made his big debut, Mom took him down to meet his dad. Family friend Michael West told PEOPLE that Caleb is getting much better, and whenever Hugo is mentioned, Caleb’s heart beats faster. He is now breathing on his own and can squeeze people’s hands.
Despite the good news, between Dad’s improvement and Hugo’s birth, the family is still dealing with their issues. They do not have health insurance. West, the family’s friend, has started an online effort to help them with the medical bills their accruing. Since Monday, the family has received over $300,000 in donations.
Those who want to contribute can learn more here.
"I'm so amazed by so many people who are doing this for us and I don't know how to thank them," said Katie. "I'm just so thankful. We're just so blessed. I just don't even know what to say. We're just very blessed."
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