Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords is set to begin her journey to a Texas rehab facility.
Gabrielle Giffords began what is sure to be the longest, most difficult trip of her life this morning in Tucson.
Well-wishers lined the roadway as a motorcycle escort rushed the Congresswoman to Davis-Monthan Air Force Base and a medical jet waiting to take her to Houston.
There she'll begin intense therapy at the renowned Texas Institute of Rehabilitation and Research at Memorial Hermann Hospital.
First Giffords will be admitted to the Texas Medical Center trauma unit for an assessment of her condition after the trip.
"As with anyone, we'll do detailed report from what's happened, what happened at the transfer, what are some of the issues we need to think about," says Dr. Don Kim.
Issues that include whether or not Giffords can speak and just how much she can see and hear.
While she's been able to move both arms and legs, and even stand, doctors still aren't sure how much strength Giffords has on the right side of her body.
"It's a bit of a wait and see game," says neuro-rehabilitation specialist Dr. David W. Lacey. "It's always a mystery exactly how things are gonna turn out."
The bottom line according to doctors is that there is no quick fix; most expect Giffords to continue her therapy for several months.