A day of fun in the snow took a terrible turn for one valley teen.
She's bound to a wheelchair and Saturday she left the hospital for the day to link up with friends and loved ones who were holding a fundraiser for her.
16-year-old Katrina Gerser made her way towards a cheering crowd of friends and family.
"It's so encouraging, I feel so blessed and loved right now," said Katrina Gerser.
The moment of love overshadowed the tragedy that happened during Christmas break. Katrina was with friends playing in the Flagstaff snow when her life changed forever.
"I was in a sledding accident a month ago and I'm growing each and every day with my recovery and I feel amazing right now," said Katrina Gerser.
She is paralyzed from the waist down.
Friends at Sierra Verde Elementary School want to help the girl they say puts others first.
"Katrina is the nicest person I've ever met. She is so sweet and caring. She always thinks about other people first," said Shannon Ashmore, Katrina's friend.
The family's home needs remodeling for wheelchair access and a new vehicle to accommodate it too.
Donations are being collected and the valley's imperial construction company donated supplies.
"It's amazing. It's overwhelming, but in a good way. We don't feel like we have to do this journey alone," said Jenny Gerser, Katrina's mom.
Jenny Gerser is a teacher at Sierra Verde. Her first graders led Saturday's walk for Katrina.
The teen is no stranger to perseverance, she had a coronary transplant a year ago.
"This is just another speed bump on this journey. There has to be a reason we are on this path," said Jenny Gerser.
"If I inspire others and touch other people's lives, that's what I am meant to do," said Katrina Gerser.
Katrina is an optimist, holding on to hope while she recovers.
"[I] have to keep moving day by day, I have faith I will get better, Whether I'm walking or in a wheelchair. Everyday I grow and everyday I will get better," said Katrina Gerser.
Gerser will leave the hospital and return home by the end of next week.
Friday, May 24 2013 12:50 PM EDT2013-05-24 16:50:33 GMT
County sheriffs have asked to join the federal lawsuit challenging New York's tough new gun restrictions, calling some provisions vague and impossible to enforce fairly.
County sheriffs have asked to join the federal lawsuit challenging New York's tough new gun restrictions, calling some provisions vague and impossible to enforce fairly.
Friday, May 24 2013 12:43 PM EDT2013-05-24 16:43:54 GMT
The unofficial start of summer is being met with not-so-perfect beach weather. Many beach communities had been hoping for good weather this Memorial Day weekend following the destruction caused by superstorm Sandy.
The unofficial start of summer is being met with not-so-perfect beach weather. Many beach communities had been hoping for good weather this Memorial Day weekend following the destruction caused by superstorm Sandy. The Fox 5 weather team is calling for sunny skies on Sunday and Monday.
Friday, May 24 2013 11:12 AM EDT2013-05-24 15:12:21 GMT
AP photo
President Barack Obama plans to give the Jersey Shore a boost with a post-Memorial Day visit to showcase recovery efforts in the aftermath of Superstorm Sandy.
President Barack Obama plans to give the Jersey Shore a boost with a post-Memorial Day visit to showcase recovery efforts in the aftermath of Superstorm Sandy.
Friday, May 24 2013 9:23 AM EDT2013-05-24 13:23:33 GMT
New Jersey's education commissioner has overturned the firing of a high school athletic director who was caught on camera putting dog waste on his ex-wife's car.
New Jersey's education commissioner has overturned the firing of a high school athletic director who was caught on camera putting dog waste on his ex-wife's car.
