Congresswoman Giffords to attend husband's shuttle launch next month

[Ghost in the Machine]

By RAMIT PLUSHNICK-MASTI
Associated Press

HOUSTON (AP) - A Congresswoman has shown so much progress in her recovery from a bullet wound to the head that friends and family are making plans for her to attend the launch of her husband's space shuttle mission next month in Florida, a person close to the family told The Associated Press on Thursday.

The person spoke on condition of anonymity because the family and doctors have not yet publicized the decision. A news conference was scheduled for Friday morning at the Houston hospital where Giffords is undergoing rehabilitation.

Giffords was shot in the head Jan. 8 at a political event outside a grocery store in an attack that killed six people and wounded 12 others.

Family and friends of Giffords have been expressed optimism in recent weeks that she will be able to attend the launch of her astronaut husband, Mark Kelly. The topic has also been of great speculation in the media and the general public amid hope that she would be able to beat the odds from her horrific injury and see her husband rocket into space.

While doctors have said attending the launch is the goal, they have tempered the optimism with important medical considerations about the congresswoman's health.

http://www.wrcbtv.com/Global/story.asp?S=14229368

[Horse with no Name]

1. I know that she has a long road to hoe

with her injuries, there is NO way she couldn't, but I am heartened by her resolve and her tenacity.

I really heart the courage of this woman.

[Ghost in the Machine]

4. Her progress continues to amaze me...

She is a true lionheart..

[crim son]

2. What news!

It's very soon, and there was so little hope initially.

[Ghost in the Machine]

5. Absolutely amazing, isn't it?

I can't wait to see her back on the job!

[crim son]

7. It is.

There was justifiable pessimism when we first learned of the extent of her injury. I can't help but believe that her survival, and her amazing recovery, is a triumph. Over what, I'm unsure.

[PBS Poll-435]

3. K&R

Thanks.

[Ghost in the Machine]

6. Thanks for the K&R

My pleasure posting it.. I am in awe of this amazing lady..

[nadinbrzezinski]

8. That is telling of her recovery

I suspect she will be "back in office" fairly soon

[Ghost in the Machine]

10. The day she goes back to work is going to be the best day EVER!

I'm looking forward to that day

:hi:

[Tripod]

9. Good for her,

I hope that she gets back to some what normal life. God bless her.

[Ghost in the Machine]

11. I think she is going to be one of those cases that 'stuns' the medical community

..and makes a full recovery. I really think this is going to happen for her...

[Tripod]

12. Me too.