Friends Raise Money For Gunshot Victim
By Oren Liebermann
BOOTHWYN, Pa. (CBS) - Kevin Neary could not be at the party in his honor, but everyone was talking about Kevin as he recovers at Magee Rehabilitation Center.
"Every time I come in to see him, he has a smile on his face. He's always making everyone else laugh and putting everyone first," said Kevin's brother, Chris Neary.
Neary was shot in the neck in an attempted robbery in November after a night out in Northern Liberties. He was paralyzed in the attack. But in three months of a slow and challenging recovery, his family says he has always been positive.
"You think about how bad life can be and this is a pretty bad situation," said his brother, Joe Neary, "and he's bounced back from it and made the most of it."
Kevin's family put on a fundraiser at the Boothwyn Fire Company to raise money for Kevin's medical costs. Friends and family bought t-shirts that read "Friends of Kevin Neary." A silent auction and raffle brought in even more money to help Kevin and his family.
"He's to the point where he can shrug his shoulders," said his father, Joe Neary. "He's learning to do a power chair with a head array."
Joe Neary says Kevin already has plans to restart his business from the family home. The Neary family will use some of the money from this fundraiser to put an addition on the house that can accommodate Kevin's wheelchair.
"He told me when you build that addition, make sure to put some office space in so I can run my business," said Joe Neary.
Kevin's family says he is determined to move forward with his life, and they are determined to support him all the way.
Kevin's family says the fundraiser raised $19,000.
