By NAN Staff Writer
News Americas, BROOKLYN, NY, Tues. April 29, 2014: A Haitian family has had their horror turned to joy this week as their son not only survived a shooting but returned to school.
Gama Droiville, 13, was shot in the head as he stood waiting for the bus to take him home two weeks ago, after a 21-year-old gunman opened fire on a Brooklyn street. Police say the boy was not the intended target and the shooting was gang related.
For a while, his family, who sought temporary refuge in New York after a massive earthquake devastated Haiti in 2010, did not know if he would make it.
Gama underwent emergency surgery and spent over a week in the hospital. Throughout it though, he displayed tremendous courage and has inspired many with his calm demeanor, which he credits to his unwavering faith in the Lord.
On Monday, April 28th, Gama, however, walked back into his school assembly at IS 285 with his family and several New York City Council members wearing a patch over one eye. And he took the time to thank everyone for their support.
“I just want to say thank you for all the support and prayers and to still keep me in prayers and hope I get better,” said the brave young teen, who has already undergone extensive surgery and doctors say he will need much more medical care.
Gama has unfortunately been left with a life altering injury, the loss of use of his right eye.
Now Gama and his family are reaching out for financial help, including to pay bills their Medicaid may not cover.
Kings County sent a bill to the family for some of the services, we hope it was erroneous, but if it wasn’t they’re going to need assistance,” said Grenadian-American City Council member Jumaane Williams.
To help the Droiville family pay for his continued medical care, visit https://www.youcaring.com/other/gama-droiville-rehabilitation-education-fundraiser/169754. They have so far raised 3,238 of their $100,000 goal.
Gama hopes to tell his story and use this horrific event to help get guns off of the streets so that such a senseless act of violence does not bring injury to anyone else.
