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Teen's Condition Improves After Ridley Township Hit-Run Accident

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - "It's a miracle, it's a miracle he's here today," said Bill Oswald.

Just like their shirts read, Bill and Lisa Oswald held on to the possibility of a miracle. For the last month, they've been visiting their 14-year-old son Anthony at Children's Hospital. On Thursday, doctors moved the Ridley Park teen to rehab.

"He did his first smile and he keeps those baby blue eyes open longer," said Lisa Oswald.

In March, Anthony along with three girls were struck by a hit and run driver who police say failed to stop at a red light. The teens were crossing near MacDade Boulevard at Morton Avenue in Ridley Township.

At 5 feet and only about 80 pounds, Anthony was thrown 90 feet in the air and suffered major head injuries, his parents told Eyewitness News. During the first week at the hospital, Anthony's heart stopped four times.

"That was hard, that was hard," said his mother. "It took doctors a while to get him to a safe haven."

His parents say Anthony, who played lacrosse, basketball, and football has a fearless attitude. It's that attitude that his parents say helped Anthony reach recovery mode.

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"He was always the smallest guy in the crowd, but he always had a lot of heart," said his father.

Hearts went out to the 8th grader from day one. His classmates wore red and handed out red wrist bands to remind drivers to stop at red lights.
Church leaders prayed for Anthony and held several fundraisers.

"I believe all the prayers got Anthony where he is today," said his father.

Reported by Jericka Duncan, CBS 3

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