The Florida high school softball star who was allegedly stabbed 15 times by her ex-boyfriend says she is paralyzed from the chest down, but is determined to learn to walk again.
Madison Schemitz, 17, spoke publicly for the first time since the near-fatal attack outside a local restaurant on June 3.
She told reporters Friday from Brooks Rehabilitation, where she was flanked by her mother and hero bystander Kennedy Armstrong, that she is ‘currently paralyzed from the chest down.’
‘It will be a long and hard road, but I am determined and confident in myself that I will reach my goals to one day walk again … My story is just getting started,’ she said.
Madison Schemitz, 17, spoke publicly for the first time since the near-fatal attack outside a local restaurant on June 3
Schemitz was a star of the softball team at Ponte Vedra High School, in a suburb of Jacksonville
Spencer Pearson, 18, Schemitz’s high school ex, attacked the softball player, her mother, and a good Samaritan with a knife before turning the blade on himself.
He is acing two counts of attempted premeditated first-degree murder and aggravated battery with a deadly weapon.
Schemitz expressed a sincere appreciation to everyone who helped treat her after the gruesome injury and ultimately save her life.
‘The individualized care and attentiveness has not gone unnoticed. Without you guys, I don’t know where I would be today. So, thank you all for pushing me every day to reach my goals while also being a light in the darkness,’ she said.
‘More specifically, I thank my mom. My mom was one of my heroes that day. My love for her is endless and I am so lucky to be her daughter.
‘And finally, Kennedy Armstrong, the man who saved my life that day. I am forever endlessly grateful for the brave acts he showed. Kennedy is and forever will be my hero and is now family for life,’ she said.
Armstrong, 23, was also stabbed when he stepped in to stop Pearson from continuing to harm Schemitz and her mother.
Armstrong was stabbed in the hand multiple times. He has since undergone surgery. The wound remains apparent on his bandaged hand that appears to have pins sticking out of it.
‘I believe there is no looking back now. Everything happens for a reason. I am incredibly lucky to be alive today. I will take each day as its own opportunity to live and make a difference in the world,’ said Schemitz.
‘Moving forward, I will be starting a One Love chapter at my high school in hopes of raising awareness about the unhealthy behaviors and relationships.’
Schemitz was a star of the softball team at Ponte Vedra High School, in a suburb of Jacksonville
Pearson posted gushing tributes to Schemitz on his social media
Schemitz’s physical therapist, Sydney Dalton, said during the conference that the 17-year-old is one of the hardest-working patients she’s ever worked with.
‘No matter what I ask her to do, she’s ready and willing to put in the work for it. Whether she’s tired, physically and mentally, she’s still like, ‘Sure, let’s go, let’s do it,” she said. ‘Phenomenal work ethic, phenomenal character – all in all a great person and hard worker.’
