Ever since he was shot by a stray bullet, 7News has been closely following the story of 11 year-old Kyron Green. He's the standard 4 student from St. Luke's Methodist in Belize City who was seriously injured while he was at the corner store running an errand for his mother.
It happened on the evening of May 17th at the One Plus One Supermarket. Kyron went to buy some items for his mom, who had her food vending business nearby. While he was inside, a gunman arrived at the store, looking for his target, who was standing at the entrance. That shooter opened fire, and Kyron was hit by a stray bullet, which damaged his cervical vertebrae.
He entered the KHMH in a critical condition, and with the care of the doctors and medical staff, his health finally improved enough that he could be discharged from the hospital.
Our news team was there when that happened yesterday, and Daniel Ortiz reports:
Daniel Ortiz reporting
Yesterday afternoon, 11 year-old Kyron Green was finally well enough to leave the KHMH. He spent 1 month and 9 days there, clinging to life for the first few weeks, and then later, making small incremental improvement to his overall health.
That stray bullet nearly ended his life, but fortunately, he's now back at home with his family, who had been anxiously awaiting for this day to come.
Marsha Belisle - Mother
"I'm happy that he's out of the hospital, back home with us. That is where the other stretch comes in, the long-term recovery at home. Kyron is still paralyzed from the neck down. We have seen some improvements, a lot of improvements actually, from where he was to now. We saw him move his feet, his hands. He has slight movement in them. So, we're grateful and happy, and we continue to do the long-term process."
His first battle was to survive the internal injuries from the gunshot, and now, he's in for the possibly the biggest battle of his young life: the fight against his paralysis from the neck down. But, his mother's hope only continues to build that he'll make a full recovery.
Marsha Belisle
"The doctors are saying that he will not walk again. I believe not. With the faith that I have from day 1, up to now, and continually, my son will walk. I've seen improvements in my son, and we will continue that way trusting in God, knowing that this child will walk. We have faith in that. So, we're grateful for what the doctors are saying, but our belief is different. We believe in one God, and we're here."
His family has already set plans in motion to hopefully reach that goal.
Marsha Belisle
"We had set up with the therapist from from Karl Heusner, Mr. Avila. He was one doing the therapy in the hospital. He will continually do the same care with him, and I have learned a lot from him. So, I do it at home. My family also chips in, and do the same. So, that is the physical therapy that he is getting. Mental support, there's a counselor who comes in as well, doing all care as well."
We have set up here at home, whereby a registered nurse will come in to do checks on him, the therapist, and also the family support comes in because it's a long drag from here. But we're here.
As for Kyron himself, his mother says that his spirits are high, which we got tiny glimpses of.
Marsha Belisle
"Of lately, he's been excited, wanted to go home, always with the doctors and nurse. You're ready to go home Kyron. And now that he's actually here, there's a bright smile on his face, back again, around family members. And I think that will help him more, to be around his family, seeing people he knows. And that will give him the strength to continue to fight."
And this young man has the support of many Belizeans, who are cheering for him, on a very long road to recovery.
Marsha Belisle
"It's been a good support from the entire Belizean populace. Here and abroad, they had support us quite a lot, especially through my brother, Mark Usher. He's been there from day 1, and still continue to do the support, the Green Family, the Belisle, the Leslie Family. St. Lukes School. There's a lot of people out there who have been doing great work for us. And we're very appreciative for that help."
Even though, the actions of one reckless individual threatened the life of her son, causing her many hours of anxiety and worry, Marsha told us that she has no ill will for Kyron's shooter.
Marsha Belisle
"To that shooter, whoever he is, God be with you. I hope that you find it in your heart, and God will forgive you for your crime. Please guys, out there, let the killing stop."
Reporter
"How are you managing? Some would think that you're neglecting your own needs because your's so worried and concerned about your son."
Marsha Belisle
"Well, for me, that's where the family comes in. I have to always put my son first. I always think about my son. I know that I have needs too, but as long as he is happy, and he is taken care of, then I'm happy. And the family support is strong. So, I am glad."
Reporter
"it seems that there is potential that there could be some difficult days ahead for you and Kyron. Are you prepared?"
Marsha Belisle
"I have to be prepare. With all my support, my family strong, I am. I already made up my mind to go this stretch with Kyron. I have to be prepared."
Kyron has a check-up with his doctors scheduled for 2 weeks from now. His family is still hoping to get him transferred to a medical facility abroad, so that he can receive more specialized help on his road to recovery.
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