Graduation night for teen who lost leg

May 31, 2012 (CHICAGO HEIGHTS, Ill.) (WLS) -- Matthew Brown, 18, is headed to graduation. He almost didn't live to see it. He lost his leg after being struck by a hit-and-run driver.

The Chicago Heights teenager is still battling to recover. But he will be there Thursday night with his classmates at Bloom High School for graduation.

Brown's mom delivered the cap while a social worker ironed the gown. Nothing could stop this hospital-bound high school senior from attending his graduation night.

"To be at graduation is so exciting," Brown said. "I didn't think I would make it."

Nor did his doctors or parents. On St. Patrick's Day, Brown was severely injured when he was hit by an hit-and-run driver in Chicago Heights.

The teenager was struck as he pushed his younger brother and cousin out of the way. Brown lost part of his right leg and is recovering from a brain injury as well.

Brown has made huge improvements during the past two weeks, so his doctors are allowing him to leave the Advocate Hope Children's Hospital for the first time since the accident and attend his graduation.

Bloom High School is ready. A ramp was constructed so Brown can received his diploma on stage.

So, with a team from the hospital, Brown left Advocate Hope ready for a bright future, one Brown and especially his mother never thought he would have just a short time ago.

"It's exciting I made it this far," said Brown. "God pulled me through."

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local, sarah schulte

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