INDIANAPOLIS - A 10-year-old Indianapolis boy who doctors said would never walk again after he was paralyzed in a drive-by shooting in 2015 took his first steps last week.
Ty-Juan Preer was just 8-years-old when he was shot outside the appliance store where his father was working on W. 30th Street.
The bullet struck his arm and exited through his back, leaving him paralyzed from the waist down.
Doctors said he’d never walk again – but Ty-Juan proved them wrong when he took his first steps, with the help of a walker, at Riley Children’s Hospital last week.
“Back then I didn’t believe I was gonna come this far,” said Ty-Juan. “But now I know I’m gonna walk again.”
Ty-Juan has made long strides over the past two years.
“I was so impressed with him throughout the process,” said Riley Rehabilitation Doctor Chuck Dietzen. “He had a positive attitude, he worked hard in therapy, and it’s paying off.”
Dr. Dietzen said Ty-Juan's progress has been great, but they're hoping for even more.
“You want miraculous,” said Dr. Dietzen. “I say we are at remarkable now, we hope for miraculous.”
Ty-Juan is aiming for miraculous too. He said he plans to be back on the football field as soon as he can.
His long-term goal: To play football in the NFL.
"If that doesn't work out, I'm gonna build my own empire," said Ty-Juan. "I'm gonna put a wheelchair station in there, so other kids - if they get bored over the summer - they can just come to my empire."
Ty-Juan’s advice for others with injuries like his: “You can do it… Never give up.”
Police never made an arrest in Ty-Juan’s shooting. If you have any information about the shooting call Crime Stoppers of Central Indiana at (317) 262-TIPS.
