She has a "courageous heart:" Girl stabbed by preteen classmates is on the mend
WAUKESHA (AP/WITI) — The 12-year-old Waukesha girl who was stabbed last month by two classmates fixated on a fictional horror character has recovered enough to go to the movies with her father.
"She has good days and bad days -- but that's a good day. I mean, going to have a daddy/daughter movie to see a Disney film. I mean, that's what little kids should be doing," Steve Lyons, a spokesman for the victim's family said.
The girl's family released a statement Tuesday, June 24th -- saying she continues to deal with physical and emotional challenges, but she has a "courageous heart." The family has asked that the girl's name not be revealed.
She was stabbed 19 times on May 31st by two other 12 year olds. The suspects face hearings in adult court next week.
"She can walk, but perhaps the speed of her pace. Those sort of things have to be very calculated, very planned, but she`s not in a wheelchair. She`s walking. She is able to get around, but again, they have to be very careful. The wounds are serious and will take a long time to heal," Lyons said.
The victim's family had asked supporters to send the girl purple hearts, reflecting her favorite shape and color. The say she's received thousands from across the nation and world, and the family is overwhelmed by the response.
"She was adamant about putting out this thank you note because there are people from around the country and around the world that she may never meet that she wanted to say 'thank you' to because it means so much to her and her family," Lyons said.
If you'd like to send purple hearts or well wishes to the stabbing victim -- the address is as follows:
Send Your Hearts To:
Hearts for Healing
P.O. BOX 407
Waukesha, WI 53187-0407
The family says supporters have donated nearly $50,000 to help with medical bills.
The victim's parents released the following statement Tuesday:
"Our family would like to thank everyone who has supported our daughter on her miraculous road to recovery. Our little girl has received thousands of purple hearts from numerous countries and from most continents. We simply cannot put into words how grateful we are for the prayers, packages and heartfelt messages. We are overwhelmed by the outpouring of love and support.
Together as a family, we continue to adjust to our ‘new normal.’ She has a courageous heart and bravely deals with both the physical and emotional challenges since the attack. Though many days consist of medical appointments and rehabilitation, recently she and her father enjoyed a ‘daddy - daughter night at the movies’ and thoroughly enjoyed a Disney film. It also included, (after much persistence) a stop for a much-deserved treat at the snack area."
The family would also like to thank those who have donated to the “Hearts for Healing Fund” or have held events for the family. Supporters have donated over $50,000 to assist the family in their goal of $250,000 to help with mounting medical expenses.
"You see the worst in people, but you also see the best in people. She`s had notes from three-year-old kids that scribble on a notepad and women who are 95 who send in inspirational messages," Lyons said.
Supporters are encouraged to make donations online here. Donations are also being accepted at any BMO Harris Bank branch.
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