According to national studies there are 17,000 new Spinal Cord Injuries each year in the United States alone. Acts of violence, primarily gun shot wounds, make up 17% of that total.
The color orange symbolizes the value of human life. Hunters wear orange in the woods to protect themselves and others. In 2013, teens on the South Side of Chicago asked classmates to honor their murdered friend by wearing orange. That simple call to action has grown into a national movement and this year in recognition of National Gun Violence Awareness Day Women on Wheels took part in the movement by making orange ribbons and spreading the word. We greatly appreciate Nyree Stevens, our sister, fellow member and survivor of gun violence for sharing her story and fully support her in her courageous fight to keep rolling forward! #WearOrange on June 2 for National Gun Violence Awareness Day!
Meet Nyree
My name is Nyree Stevens, I’m 25 years old. On December 25th 2009 after a night of enjoying myself with friends I became a victim of gun violence. I was shot in the neck by a stray bullet which instantly left me paralyzed from shoulders and down. Ever since then my life has changed for the worst and better. Not knowing what people with disabilities go through on a daily basis I’ve learned throughout these years how hard it can be when your independence is taken away from the mistake of someone else. Though I’ve learned to live with my situation it can become overwhelming but that only makes me stronger as each day goes by. I’m also lucky to still have a voice and to be able to share my story and “stand up” for myself. People may not know how gun violence can destroy a person’s life and also their family’s lives. It has to come to an end. #gunviolenceawarenessday
