<p>I hope she continues to improve and eventually has a normal life.</p>
<p>[Court</a> records: Haleigh Poutre ’making statements’ about abuse - BostonHerald.com](<a href=“http://bostonherald.com/news/regional/general/view.bg?articleid=1076311&format=text]Court”>http://bostonherald.com/news/regional/general/view.bg?articleid=1076311&format=text)</p>
<p>"Defying all odds, the brain-damaged Westfield girl who was days away from a state order to remove her from life support in 2006 is now communicating information about the horrific abuse that nearly killed her, according to new court documents.</p>
<p>Although once thought to be brain-dead, Haleigh Poutre, who turned 14 on Sunday, is now making statements alleging abuse by her stepfather Jason Strickland, according to a motion filed in Hampden Superior Court last month by Stricklands attorney, Alan Black of Springfield.</p>
<p>Haleigh is recovering at a Brighton rehabilitation hospital, where her condition has reportedly vastly improved since the legal battle over her life captured national headlines in 2006.</p>
<p>Haleigh was beaten into a coma Sept. 11, 2005, allegedly at the hands of Strickland and his wife, Holli Strickland, Haleighs adoptive mother and biological aunt."</p>