Teen Spent 11 Days in Coma. When He Woke Up, He Used Sign Language to Tell His Mom an Important Message (Exclusive)

Teen Wakes from Coma After 11 Days, Uses Sign Language to Communicate with Mum

A heartwarming story has emerged as a teenage boy, Dakota “Cody” Trenkle Jr., woke up from an 11-day medically induced coma and used sign language to convey a touching message to his mother. The 13-year-old was missing for over three days before being discovered at the bottom of a ravine, on Wednesday, July 30 in Goose Creek Lake, Mo.

In a remarkable turn of events, after surviving without food or water for more than 80 hours, Dakota was airlifted to a St. Louis hospital where he was placed in a coma. His mother, Stephanie Neely, expressed her gratitude for his progress, mentioning that they were finally moving in the right direction. Neely shared that the initial days were challenging, filled with stress, hope, and gratitude as they waited for Dakota’s recovery.

Despite his ordeal, Dakota’s resilience shone through as he began showing signs of progress within days of waking from the coma. Stephanie shared the emotional moment when he signed “I love you” in American Sign Language, signifying a significant milestone in his recovery journey. The gesture brought immense relief and joy to his family, affirming that Cody was indeed on the path to healing.

Throughout the ordeal, the community rallied around Dakota, with a dedicated Facebook group, “Dakota Strong,” providing regular updates on his condition. The outpouring of support and well-wishes played a crucial role in boosting Dakota’s spirits as he battled his way back to health. Stephanie expressed her gratitude for the overwhelming support they received during such a trying time.

As Dakota continued to progress, hitting milestones like being taken off the ventilator and enjoying his first meal, the family remained hopeful for his full recovery. Despite the challenges he faced, including brain injuries, infections, and physical weakness, Dakota’s fighting spirit never wavered, inspiring all who followed his journey.

Neely shared her immense pride in her son’s resilience, stating that his determination to survive, despite the odds, was nothing short of miraculous. She highlighted Dakota’s strength and tenacity, noting that he had shown remarkable courage throughout his life, especially considering his premature birth and subsequent battles for survival.

Looking ahead, Dakota will be transferred to a specialised paediatric hospital unit for comprehensive therapy to aid in his physical and psychological recovery. Neely expressed confidence in his progress and reiterated her gratitude for the turn of events that had finally set them on a positive trajectory towards healing.

In conclusion, Dakota’s story serves as a powerful reminder of the strength of the human spirit and the unwavering support of a community in times of adversity. As he continues his journey towards full recovery, his resilience and courage stand as a beacon of hope and inspiration for all facing challenges.