Zayden Garrett, 7, Thrilled to Trick-or-Treat as a Ninja Turtle After Surviving Gunfire
A Second Chance at Halloween
Zayden Garrett may have dressed as a Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle for Halloween, but his speed in recovering from gunshot wounds more resembles Wolverine. Just three weeks ago, the 7-year-old was struck by gunfire at his West Pullman home, along with his 27-year-old uncle. Doctors and family members didn’t expect Zayden to be released from Comer Children’s Hospital, let alone be able to go trick-or-treating.
A Miraculous Recovery
But Zayden was running, jumping, and strutting – as a Ninja Turtle would – on southwest suburban blocks filled with dozens of pint-sized princesses, Elmos, witches, and Cookie Monsters. One girl asked Zayden, “How much candy do you have?” “A wholeee bunch,” he responded, holding up his green candy bag and patting the bottom.
A GoFundMe Page for Relocation Costs
No one was in custody as of Thursday morning, police said. In the days after the attack, doctors at Comer removed half of Zayden’s right lung and the top part of his left lung and removed part of the bullet from his chest. Rosie Liggins, Zayden’s grandmother, said doctors had expected Zayden to be in the hospital for about four weeks. “But God said otherwise,” Liggins said the night her grandson was released, a little over a week after the shooting.
A Night of Trick-or-Treating
Zayden showed no signs of his wounds as he collected candy with his twin brother and cousins. And thankfully, all the scares he encountered on this night were the type he and the other kids could chuckle over. At one house, the 7-year-old and his relatives were startled by someone dressed as Ghostface from the “Scream” movies pretending to be a statue. At another home, a Halloween decoration went off as Zayden reached for candy, making the boy jump.
A Guardian’s Concerns
“You really think you’re gonna go home, sit in the bed, watch [TV] and eat all that candy?” Liggins asked Zayden as he giggled in excitement. Though she’s happy Zayden is back with his family, Liggins told the Sun-Times earlier this month she’s uncomfortable having him at home or with relatives and is keeping him elsewhere as she looks for an alternative. She created a GoFundMe page to help with relocation costs while she takes care of Zayden.
Conclusion
Zayden’s incredible recovery and night of trick-or-treating is a testament to the resilience of children and the power of faith. As he and his family look to the future, they are grateful for the second chance at a happy and healthy life.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How is Zayden doing after the shooting?
A: Zayden is recovering well and is expected to make a full recovery.
Q: Has anyone been caught in connection with the shooting?
A: No, no one has been arrested as of Thursday morning.
Q: How is Zayden’s grandmother handling the situation?
A: Rosie Liggins is taking care of Zayden and is seeking alternative arrangements to ensure his safety.
Q: What is the current status of Zayden’s treatment?
A: Zayden has undergone surgery and is receiving ongoing medical care to ensure his full recovery.
