Hospital holds prom for teenage patient injured in car crash

THE WOODLANDS, Texas – The physical therapy staff at TIRR Memorial Hermann The Woodlands turned their rehabilitation room into a high school gym Friday for one very special patient.

Markel Wells, a senior at Willis High School, was involved in a serious car crash with his friends on March 13 in Conroe.

“They were speeding, going 100 mph and hit the back of an 18-wheeler. Then I got ejected,” Wells said.

He was in a coma after the crash and doctors told his parents if he woke up, he would be a vegetable.  But after six days in the coma and nearly two months after the crash, Wells dressed up in a suit and bow tie Friday to attend a makeshift prom at the hospital. “It has to be hard to be taken away from your life at this stage,” said Julie Giardina, a physical therapist. “It’s hard right at the end of your senior year, so we really felt for him.”

The staff went all out, bringing in balloons, punch and a disco ball for the big party. Wells and his date also took pictures.  “It surpassed my expectations, for sure,” Wells said.

At the end of the party, the staff presented Wells and his date with crowns, naming them prom king and queen.  “He’s so motivated, he’s such a great kid and that makes working with him that much more rewarding,” Giardina said.

Wells is set to be discharged from the hospital on Thursday, but he will continue physical therapy.

A gofundme account has been set up to help raise money for Wells' hospital bills. You can donate by clicking on this link.