Adele Biton's birthday celebrated in intensive care
Mother of toddler critically injured in West Bank stone attack says 'It's a miracle from above she's alive; we are optimistic'; as part of celebration, family offers presents to other kids at hospital
The family of Adele Biton, the girl who was critically injured two months ago during a stone attack on the Trans-Samaria Highway in the West Bank, celebrated her third birthday on Thursday at the Schneider Children's Medical Center.
Biton, who is being treated at the hospital's intensive care unit, remains in serious condition. However, doctors said her situation has improved, though she is still anaesthetized.
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As part of the celebration, family members handed out candy to children at the hospital. "We constantly try to send positive energies to Adele, and believe this is what will help her," said Adva, the toddler's mother. "We are optimistic and believe she will wake up.
"We placed a huge balloon in her room, and people keep coming by, bearing gifts. Adele has earphones on at all times and she is listening to her favorite songs," the mother said.
Adva Biton (center) with family members at hospital (Photo: Ofer Amram)
The incident occurred on March 14 near Ariel when a truck driver suddenly braked after his vehicle was struck by a stone. The car behind him, carrying Adva Biton and her three daughters, collided with the truck. Her two other daughters, Avigail and Naama - aged four and five - sustained moderate injuries.
Some two weeks after the attack, five Palestinian teenagers from the town of Kfar Haras, near the site of the incident, were arrested for allegedly stoning the truck.
'Congratulations. Adele is three years old' (Photo: Ofer Amram)
Asked how she was dealing with her daughter's severe injury, the mother said "It is important for me to make it clear that we do not miss Adele; she is alive and is with us, and it is a great miracle sent from above; this is what we believe.
"We draw a lot of strength from the many people who visit us from all across the country and encourage us. People in Israel constantly complain, but when you need them they appear in all their beauty," she said.
Rachel, the grandmother, said "Despite the difficult situation, we decided that we have to celebrate Adele's birthday. I entered her room this morning and said to her 'wake up Adele, congratulations'. I talk to her constantly. I believe we will celebrate her fourth birthday as well. She will wake up soon.
"We are optimistic. Today, when I congratulated her, I told her 'open your eyes', and she did. To me this indicates some sort of consciousness," Rachel said.
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