Teens continuing to recover after crash

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE) - To say it has been a long road to recovery for 16-year-old's Jessica Sanchez and Lily Pickard is an understatement.

The best friends were nearly killed when the SUV they were in rolled this summer on Paseo del Norte near Tramway Boulevard.

"They were ejected from their vehicle.  They weren't wearing seatbelts and they've been recovering ever since," said Jessica's Sister Tara Arellano.

The La Cueva cheerleaders, who were about to start their junior year, both suffered traumatic brain injuries.

They were treated at UNM Hospital in the intensive-care unit for weeks before heading to a hospital in Denver that specializes in traumatic brain injuries.

Lily's father told KRQE News 13 she came home on Halloween.

"I know that she is going to continue rehab here, but she is doing well.  She is walking and talking and getting her life back," Arellano said.

Phillip Pickard said his daughter has a long way to go, but she is tenacious and doing better all the time.

Arellano told News 13 Jessica's injuries are a bit more severe adding that for now she is still in Denver where's she has been for the last four months.  She said there are big signs of improvement.

"She is now with assistance walking a little bit more, moving the right side of her body and she has a lot of joy in her heart.  She's a beautiful, young, happy person again," said Arellano.

News 13 asked Arellano if her family would be willing to share some photos with us of her recovery, they said at this point they are not ready to do that saying they want to respect her privacy through this long process.

Family and friends of both teens say the community support has really helped them get through this.

Since the accident they have held all sorts of events from car washes to vigils.

Thursday night Arellano put on a silent auction and benefit to help her parents with some of their expenses.

"They are getting better.  It's a happy ending, and its going to be OK," Arellano said.

In fact, Jessica is expected to come home next week to start rehab.

Both families are seeing the medical and other bills pile up.

Lily's family set up a nonprofit in her name called the LilyPick Foundation where people can donate.

There is also a Jessica & Lily website where you can find more information on upcoming events and the teens progress.