UPDATED Thursday, April 11, 2013 --- 9:30 p.m.
Reporter: Phil Levin

A Florida teen who fell 100 ft. from a Dells thrill ride is meeting a new companion to help with her recovery.

An operator accidentally let Teagan Marti fall from the Terminal Velocity ride before safety gear was deployed. With injuries to her spine and organs after the incident in 2010, doctors were surprised the girl survived the night. After months in the hospital, now she is not only walking but meeting a 4-month-old retriever pup named "Charlie" specifically trained to help her rehabilitate.

The dog is named after actor Charlie Sheen, who was contacted through a family connection and offered to pay for the the dog and its training.

Besides companionship, the dog will be able to open and close doors, turn on and off lights, and help support Marti while she walks when training concludes this summer. The trainer hopes to send the dog to live with Marti at her home near Ft. Lauderdale around her sweet sixteen birthday.
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UPDATED Wednesday, April 10, 2013 --- 1:22 p.m.

Teagan Marti to meet her new service dog

MADISON- A Florida teenager, who was treated at American Family Children’s Hospital after falling from a thrill ride, will meet her new service dog for the first time this week. Actor Charlie Sheen donated the money to buy the puppy for Teagan Marti. Thursday’s event in Milwaukee is sponsored by Miracles for Teagan, a group that supports the Marti family.

Teagan Marti and her mother, Julie, will be joined by people who have assisted Teagan in her recovery, including Lynne Sears, pediatric intensive care unit nurse practitioner, who cared for Teagan for several months at American Family Children’s Hospital.

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UPDATED Friday, February 15, 2013 --- 12:16 p.m.
Posted: Friday, February 15, 2013 -- 3:49 a.m.

MILWAUKEE (AP) -- A Florida teenager who plummeted 100 feet from a Wisconsin amusement park ride in 2010 is getting some help from actor Charlie Sheen.

Teagan Marti suffered brain, spine, pelvis and internal injuries when nets and air bags that were supposed to catch riders on the free-fall ride were not raised. She was paralyzed initially but through physical therapy is now able to walk with a walker.

A Marti family friend in Eau Claire asked Sheen for $6,000 to cover therapy dog training, and Sheen wired $10,000 on Thursday.

Sheen said he found it impossible not to help after getting the request and he likes to "pay it forward."

The 15-year-old said she didn't really know much about Sheen before but now thinks he's kind and generous.

Copyright 2013: Associated Press