KALAMAZOO, Mich. -- Doctors says the woman who was shot while protecting children during the Feb. 20 shooting spree in Kalamazoo is right where she needs to be in the timeline to a full recovery.
Tiana Carruthers was shot outside the Meadows Townhomes Feb. 20 while shielding four children, including one of her own. She suffered four bullet wounds, two to her leg, one to an arm and one to her abdomen.
Doctors and Kalamazoo County Sheriff Richard Fuller held a press conference Tuesday at Borgess Medical Center, saying they were impressed with her quick recovery and her spirit.
“I want to say that this remarkable young woman is a hero to me," said Dr. Thomas Ross, chief of staff at Borgess. “The really remarkable thing is her spirit. Shortly after sustaining these injuries while still in pain, she was talking about community and healing and making something positive out of this. She’s a very remarkable person.”
A gospel music concert is being held later this month to benefit Carruthers. The Kalamazoo Gazette reports the benefit concert for Carruthers is being held March 18 at Galilee Baptist Church. Pastor Michael T. Scott of Galilee spoke to FOX17 shortly after meeting with Tiana Carruthers. He agreed with hospital staff's sentiment that Carruthers was incredibly positive in the face of suffering.
"She is a fighter," said Pastor Scott, "and she wants to get stronger and the impression I got is that she wants to be able to get out of the hospital, be able to walk, and be able to get back to life - her normal life.”
Six people were killed during the Feb. 20 shooting spree. Carruthers and one other person, 14-year-old Abigail Kopf, were injured.
Jason Dalton, 45, has been charged in connection with the shootings.
The Associated Press contributed to this report
