Santiago, Chile, Jun 13, 2013 / 11:10 am
A year ago, 16 year-old Antonia Cabrera suffered a stroke and was expected to die. Today, she can speak, walk with some difficulty and is continuing a recovery that she attributes to prayers across the globe.
On April 28, 2012, Cabrera fell into a coma, and doctors told her family she would likely either die or remain permanently unconscious.
On May 2, her case was publicized on the website MayFeelings.com, a social network designed to unite people throughout the world in prayer. Soon, Cabrera's story had drawn thousands of people to pledge their prayers, along with hundreds of messages of encouragement.
Two weeks later, Cabrera woke up, surprising doctors and her family. She has been progressing in the recovery process in recent months.
In a video posted this week by May Feelings, Cabrera recounted her story and thanks those who offered prayers for her.
"The doctors said there was no hope that I could live," she recalled.
"I don't think good luck just falls out of nowhere. There was a reason why I was lucky - it was because many people prayed for me," she said.
The 16-year-old described her stroke as "the best thing that happened to me" because it taught her many things and introduced her to people that she otherwise may not have met.
She said she is grateful "for all those who have prayed for me, and I can tell you that it was not in vain, because I am here."
Cabrera also reflected on the progress she has made so far in recovering.
"If they tell me I won't be able to walk, I walk. This is what we have to do in life," she said. "When they ask me to do ten exercises, I do eleven. We should always do more than what we are asked."
Everyday activities are still a struggle, she explained, and this allows her to "appreciate each movement more."
No matter how the rest of the recovery process goes, Cabrera is optimistic about her future.
"Who says you can't be happy with one less leg, one less hand or whatever?"
The creators of the May Feelings website say that Cabrera's case has become "an extraordinary example of the power of the prayers of many."