Paige Lauten, the Mars Area Middle School eighth-grader who was struck by a car in late November on Route 228, is making progress in her difficult recovery from serious injuries. Submitted Photo

Just more than one month after a 13-year-old girl was hit by a vehicle on Route 228, she has been moved out of intensive care but continues what will be a long, hard recovery, according to her family.

Paige Lauten, an eighth-grade student at Mars Area Middle School, is being treated at UPMC Children’s Hospital in Pittsburgh for serious injuries sustained when she was struck by an oncoming vehicle Nov. 29.

P.J. Harbert, Paige’s aunt, provides occasional updates on her niece's progress on a Facebook page created by the family called “Prayers for Paige L.”

On Dec. 27, Harbert posted about a “Christmas miracle” — Paige had been moved out of the intensive care unit — which she called a step in the right direction.

“The doctors and nurses continue to be cautiously optimistic with her recovery, and we still have a long road ahead of us,” Harbert wrote, “but God is clearly working, and His presence is clearly being felt.”

She said in a Christmas post that Paige began breathing on her own without the aid of a breathing tube.

“We are so thankful for everyone’s support and prayers, and we will continue to need it throughout this long journey. God has a plan, and we look forward to what He has planned next for Paige,” she wrote.

That next step was posted by Harbert on New Year’s Eve, when she shared more good news about Paige’s strenuous recovery.

“Paige was moved to the Children’s Hospital Rehab Center down the street so she can begin full time with speech, occupational and physical therapy,” a jubilant Harbert said.

She and the family continued to thank the friends, family, Paige’s softball teammates and their families, and the community for their support, and especially for their prayers.

“God is so amazing, and we are so thankful for His work,” Harbert wrote. “Our faith in Him and all of your prayers are paying off so much.”

Harbert asked for continued support for Paige and her family as the young girl moves through her various therapies.

“She is going to be challenged like never before. But (the move to rehab is) another small step in her recovery, and we know she will continue to fight hard!” Harbert posted. “Happy New Year and keeping praying for our little girl!”

The New Year’s Eve update on Facebook garnered more than 840 comments of support and almost 4,000 reactions.