Madison Schemitz.Photo:Madison Schemitz

teen survived attack left paralyzed

Madison Schemitz

Schemitz, who spoke out at a press conference Friday, said she was “incredibly lucky to be alive today.”

“I will take each day as its own opportunity to live and make a difference in the world,” she said.

Pearson allegedly assaulted Madison from behind and held her down while he stabbed her approximately 15 times, according to authorities, citing a witness.

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Madison Schemitz.Gofundme

Madison Schemitz

Gofundme

He was also accused of creating fake accounts on social media to harass Madison and making suicidal statements toward her, per the station.

At the press conference, Schemitz said she plans to start a chapter ofOne Love Foundation, a non-profit which aims to combat relationship violence, at Ponte Vedra High School in the hope of “raising awareness about the unhealthy behaviors in relationships.”

Schemitz said she has a” long and hard road” of recovery ahead of her, but said, “I am determined and confident in myself that I will reach my goals to one day walk again."

She added, “My story is just getting started.”

“Everyone is behind me,” she said. “There is no one holding me back.”

Pearson is being held in jail on two counts of attempted premeditated murder and three counts of aggravated battery, according to online court records.

It was not immediately clear if he has entered a plea or retained an attorney to comment on his behalf.

AGoFundMepage for Schemitz has so far raised more than $150,000.

If you are experiencing domestic violence, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233, or go tothehotline.org. All calls are toll-free and confidential. The hotline is available 24/7 in more than 170 languages.

source: people.com