Later today, Representative Gabrielle Giffords is leaving a Tucson hospital and heading to Houston for her next step in rehabilitation. Officials say she will be spending the next several months there.
The doctors, who have been caring for her since being shot by Jerod Loughner two weeks ago, say she is doing "surprisingly well" in her recovery.
Today is being considered as one of Giffords "milestones" in her long road to recovery. Giffords is scheduled to leave the University Medical Center in Tucson and be transported to the Texas Institute of Rehabilitation and Research at Memorial Hermann Hospital in Houston.
"We're eager to start comprehensive rehabilitation program, that will take in consideration not just the physical recovery, but the cognitive and the emotional recovery," says Dr. Gerard Francisco, Clinical Professor and Chair at TIRR Memorial Hermann.
Giffords has come a long way since the assassination attempt. First, she opened her eyes, moved her arms and legs, then stood up out of her wheelchair and now has been able to go outside and enjoy the sunshine. However, it's still unclear if she will be able to speak.
Her husband, astronaut Mark Kelly, says he thinks she will make a faster recovery than predicted by doctors. "She'll be walking, talking, and in two months, you'll see her walking through the front door of this building," he says.