A 62-year-old woman who survived the on-air shooting that left two TV journalists dead in the US state of Virginia is recovering after undergoing two surgeries, according to her family.
Vicki Gardner, the executive director of the Smith Mountain Lake Regional Chamber of Commerce was shot during a live news broadcast in Roanoke, Virginia while she was being interviewed by two WDBJ-TV journalists.
Reporter Alison Parker and photographer Adam Ward were killed in the August 26 incident. The shooter, Vester Lee Flanagan II, died of a self-inflicted gun wound hours later.
Gardner underwent two surgeries after a bullet came within "centimeters" of taking her life, her husband, Tim Gardner, told ABC News.
She woke up from a medically induced coma last Thursday.
"Today was another milestone day for Vicki's recovery. She was able to open and read get well cards from all over North America for hours," said a recent Facebook post from an account created to chronicle her recovery. "She endured back to back physical therapy, occupational therapy, x-rays, and surgeon visits with a smile on her face."
Other posts included photos of a smiling Gardner surrounded by her family and her dog, Buddy.
Although the feedback from hospital caretakers has been positive, they continue to monitor Gardner's wounds for infections, her family said.
Family members did not indicate when Gardner will be released from the Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital in Roanoke, but said they had no doubt of her full recovery.
"Vicki is already giving Tim vacuuming and sheet changing orders. This is a clear sign that things are getting back to normal. Thanks to everyone for your funny comments, kind words, and powerful prayers," her family wrote.
