Sarah Goone has a whole new outlook on life.
Four months after the 16-year-old New Trier High School student was severely injured in a hit-and-run car accident, Goone posted her first public comments on the ordeal, saying her "life has changed completely."
Goone has returned to school, and is now taking the classes she planned to take before the accident.
Goone was struck by a hit-and-run driver in May while crossing Green Bay Road and Winnetka Avenue after leaving a school function. Doctors performed surgery to reduce swelling on her brain, and after regaining consciousness began her months-long recovery.
The driver of the vehicle, Erin Hughes, 18, of Wilmette, was charged with the crime and in August accepted a plea deal for two years of probation and 120 hours of community service.
In her note on CaringBridge.org, Goone eschews reflecting on the crime in favor of thanking those who supported her.
"I think that what helped me the most was the support from every single person who reached out to me," wrote Goone. " I have to especially thank all of my friends who came to visit me at the hospital or once I got home, because your presence and all of your positive energy finally put me in a good mood and helped me connect with the outside world again."
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Read Goone's entire post at CaringBridge.org.
