I was 13 years old when I snuck out, with 10 other girls, to toilet paper the home of a stranger during a slumber party prank. The homeowner, a retired businessman, opened fire on us. I was hit in the back and immediately rendered paralyzed from the chest down.
Word of my shooting quickly ignited a firestorm in my hometown of Colorado Springs. Some citizens were FURIOUS — not at the shooter, but rather with me. I received hate mail. Many said I deserved to be shot; some said they would have shot me too.
As a paraplegic 13-year-old, I soon came to believe that, to some, my life was of less value than a gun. I lived in fear of those people, and for 40 years, I remained silent.
While the shooting rendered me fully paraplegic (paralyzed from the chest down), through rehab and over the course of time, I was thankfully able to regain significant function back. I now walk with a pronounced limp and with the assistance of two canes and a leg brace.
As unconscionable gun violence continued to escalate in the U.S., I found, as an adult, I could no longer remain silent. Now, I relish telling my story and testifying at the state capitol. It makes me feel empowered. It makes me feel like I am finally fighting for my 13-year-old-self, and for others. I am beyond grateful for the support, community and strength I have found through my activism.