In a miraculous turn of events, Sarah Scantlin, who had been in a coma-like state for 20 years following a devastating accident, awoke and surprised everyone with her sharp wit and clear memory. Her first words to her long-time friend after two decades were both hilarious and touching, serving as a testament to her resilient spirit.
The Accident That Changed Everything
In 1984, Sarah Scantlin was living the vibrant life of an 18-year-old college student. She was a cheerleader, led her dance team, and enjoyed the freedom and excitement of youth. But everything changed one fateful night when she was struck by a drunk driver while crossing the street after a night out with friends. The impact caused severe spinal cord damage and a catastrophic head injury, plunging Sarah into a coma that lasted for two decades.1
Her family was devastated, with doctors giving them little hope that Sarah would ever regain consciousness. Her father, Jim Scantlin, recalled how he was told that the daughter he knew was essentially gone, and the chances of her recovery were slim to none.
Read More: People Squirming In Their Seats After Woman Shares Theory That We Never Really Die
The Miraculous Awakening
After 20 years of silence, Sarah’s family had long come to terms with the likelihood that she would never wake up from her coma. But in February of 2004, something extraordinary happened—Sarah began to speak.2 The staff at the nursing home where she had been cared for could hardly believe their ears. They immediately called her parents, who were equally stunned to hear their daughter’s voice for the first time in two decades.
“Beth said, ‘Someone wants to talk to you,’ and she had the speaker phone on,” Jim Scantlin recalled. “She said, ‘It’s Sarah.’ And I said, ‘Sarah!’ And she said, ‘Hello!’ And I just went numb”.3 The moment was overwhelming for the family, who had endured years of uncertainty and grief.
A ‘Savage’ Reunion with a Best Friend
One of the first people to visit Sarah after her awakening was her best friend, Lori Shockley, who had faithfully visited her for years, making the three-hour trip to the hospital regularly. The bond between Sarah and Lori was like that of sisters, having been inseparable since they met in sixth grade.
When Lori walked into Sarah’s room after her miraculous recovery, she was greeted with an unexpected and hilarious comment. Excited to see her friend, Lori asked, “What’s new about me today?” To which Sarah, who hadn’t seen her friend since they were both teenagers, quickly quipped, “You’re old.” The room erupted in laughter as Lori responded, “Am I?! Because that would make you old too, Sarah”.
This lighthearted exchange was a poignant reminder that despite the 20 years lost to the coma, the essence of Sarah’s personality remained intact. Her sense of humor, her awareness, and her deep connection with her loved ones had not diminished.
Life After the Coma
Waking up from a coma after 20 years was just the beginning of Sarah’s journey. Although her speech was slurred, and her physical abilities were severely limited due to the years of inactivity, Sarah made slow but steady progress in regaining some of her functions. Her friend Lori noted that “the Sarah that’s with us today is very much the same Sarah that was with us 20 years ago”.
In a particularly heartwarming moment, Sarah was able to sing “Happy Birthday” to her father for the first time in 22 years, a testament to the small but significant milestones she achieved following her awakening.
A Legacy of Hope and Resilience
Sadly, Sarah Scantlin passed away in May 2016 due to respiratory issues and failing blood pressure. However, her story continues to inspire many as a symbol of hope, resilience, and the enduring power of the human spirit. Her unexpected recovery from her coma and the humor she displayed upon reuniting with her best friend serve as a reminder that even in the most dire circumstances, life can still surprise us with moments of joy and connection.