Houston-area teenager <a href="index.php?page=&url=http%3A%2F%2Fireport.cnn.com%2Fdocs%2FDOC-895582">Emily Bauer</a> was a normal 16-year-old "full of light and laughter" until her family says she had serious side effects from smoking synthetic marijuana. This family photo of Emily was taken in December 2011.
Synthetic weed and strokes: Emily's odyssey —
Houston-area teenager Emily Bauer was a normal 16-year-old "full of light and laughter" until her family says she had serious side effects from smoking synthetic marijuana. This family photo of Emily was taken in December 2011.
Courtesy Blake Harrison
For Emily, a straight A- and B-student with a penchant for dying her hair bright colors, school has never really been a problem, says her stepfather, Tommy Bryant. This family photo was taken in March 2012.
March 2012 —
For Emily, a straight A- and B-student with a penchant for dying her hair bright colors, school has never really been a problem, says her stepfather, Tommy Bryant. This family photo was taken in March 2012.
Courtesy Bauer family
Emily's family says they realized something was wrong after she woke up from a nap late at night on December 7. Stumbling and slurring her words, she entered a psychotic state of hallucinations and violent outbursts. Her family dialed 911, and she was admitted to ICU, where she was restrained, sedated and intubated the next morning.
December 8: Day 1 —
Emily's family says they realized something was wrong after she woke up from a nap late at night on December 7. Stumbling and slurring her words, she entered a psychotic state of hallucinations and violent outbursts. Her family dialed 911, and she was admitted to ICU, where she was restrained, sedated and intubated the next morning.
Courtesy Blake Harrison
After days in an induced coma, an MRI reveals Emily suffered several severe strokes, says Bryant. The Bauers learn from neurologists what this means for Emily's future: "They told us that all white areas on images were dead. It looked to us at least 70% of the images were white," said Tonya Bauer, her mother. She wouldn't be able to breathe on her own, eat by herself, walk or even recognize her family, the Bauers said. The photo was taken the night before Emily's family took her off life support.
December 15: Day 8 —
After days in an induced coma, an MRI reveals Emily suffered several severe strokes, says Bryant. The Bauers learn from neurologists what this means for Emily's future: "They told us that all white areas on images were dead. It looked to us at least 70% of the images were white," said Tonya Bauer, her mother. She wouldn't be able to breathe on her own, eat by herself, walk or even recognize her family, the Bauers said. The photo was taken the night before Emily's family took her off life support.
Courtesy Bauer family
After her family ends life support on December 16, Emily survives despite the odds, says her family. She is able to slightly move her arms and legs. She recognizes her family's voices and is able to speak, sometimes with difficulty, says her stepfather.
January 6: Day 28 —
After her family ends life support on December 16, Emily survives despite the odds, says her family. She is able to slightly move her arms and legs. She recognizes her family's voices and is able to speak, sometimes with difficulty, says her stepfather.
Courtesy Bauer family
One month after the life-changing night, Emily is blind. Each day since has been a fight -- a fight to move a finger, a fight to whisper something to her family, a fight for life, according to her big sister.
January 8: Day 30 —
One month after the life-changing night, Emily is blind. Each day since has been a fight -- a fight to move a finger, a fight to whisper something to her family, a fight for life, according to her big sister.
Courtesy Bauer family
Emily is transferred to TIRR Memorial Hermann rehab hospital on January 14. The family says they haven't heard Emily's prognosis yet, but they remain hopeful as the teenager tackles physical, occupational and speech therapy, as well as living a new life.
January 16: Day 38 —
Emily is transferred to TIRR Memorial Hermann rehab hospital on January 14. The family says they haven't heard Emily's prognosis yet, but they remain hopeful as the teenager tackles physical, occupational and speech therapy, as well as living a new life.
Courtesy Bauer family
Emily passes a swallow test on January 18. She started eating soft, solid food again, such as green beans, said her family. Emily even asked her sister for Ramen Noodles as they talked on the phone. "Even though they're such small steps for her, they're such giant steps of positivity," her sister said.
January 18: Day 40 —
Emily passes a swallow test on January 18. She started eating soft, solid food again, such as green beans, said her family. Emily even asked her sister for Ramen Noodles as they talked on the phone. "Even though they're such small steps for her, they're such giant steps of positivity," her sister said.
Courtesy Bauer family
Emily spends time with a cute visitor during animal therapy on January 24. Bryant and his family are starting a nonprofit organization called <a href="index.php?page=&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fsafe4emily" target="_blank" target="_blank">Synthetic Awareness For Emily</a>. Their goal is to educate families, as well as teachers and doctors, about the dangers and warning signs of synthetic marijuana use.
January 24: Day 46 —
Emily spends time with a cute visitor during animal therapy on January 24. Bryant and his family are starting a nonprofit organization called Synthetic Awareness For Emily. Their goal is to educate families, as well as teachers and doctors, about the dangers and warning signs of synthetic marijuana use.
Courtesy Bauer family