A number of people have come forward to help the family of a teen paralyzed in a triple shooting in Cole Harbour, after the girl’s mother spoke about the girl’s prognosis on CTV News.
The family of 18-year-old Ashley MacLean-Kearse is asking the public for help covering costs as the Cole Harbour High School student recovers in hospital.
On Tuesday, a day after her mother spoke out, people like Helen McTague have come forward to help.
“I heard the story and I thought I know this (wheelchair-accessible) van that would get them through the winter, get them through a year or two,” said McTague, whose 23-year-old daughter has a severe form of epilepsy.
“I just thought if there's something that anybody can do, or that I could do to give that mother one thing to cross of her worry list,” she said.
And McTague isn’t the only one. Some people have come forward with multiple offers to help.
“I have a 21-year-old and a 23-year-old and your heart can't help but go out to the family. It's a terrible situation for them,” said Marina Stuart.
Her son bought a house that just happened to come with a wheelchair lift.
“This is such a unique item … We've been trying to find a family. We've reached out to the local fire department, ALS, hoping someone could use it,” Stuart said.
It’s too early for the family to say which of these generous offers they will be able to use, but there is no question their need is great.
The teen’s mother has quit her job to care for her daughter, and they still have no idea how much the adjustments, supplies and equipment will cost.
But today Ashley’s mother spoke out in response to those reaching out.
"The support people are showing is incredible,” said Wendy Kearse.
“It lifts Ashley's spirit knowing all the people that are supporting her. We would like to thank everyone.”
With files from CTV Atlantic’s Kayla Hounsell
