Shooting survivor Deserae Turner shares message of hope, looks ahead to graduation

CACHE COUNTY, Utah (KSTU) -- Life is different these days as we deal with the COVID-19 Pandemic. For many people, their world feels flipped upside down. Seventeen-year-old shooting survivor Deserae Turner knows all about life-changing in an instant.

“This is the biggest thing that's happened in some people's lives and it's really flipped their world upside down. And they are really having a hard time handling it. And I can say, I know how that is and your feeling and emotions are completely natural,” she said.

The now high school senior was shot in the head and left for dead in a canal in Smithfield in Feb. 2017.

TRUE CRIME DAILY: Deserae Turner case coverage - TCD

Since that horrible day, Turner has inspired many with her positive attitude and her fight to have the best life possible. She never gave up, despite all the missed school from the shooting, surgeries and side effects that have followed, Turner will graduate on time.

June 1, 2017:

“I am excited to show off, like, guys I did this. I did all of this in about a couple years,” she said.

While she isn't sure what graduation will look like, she is just focused on this major accomplishment.

“I might still be able to walk, which I am excited about. But if not, at least I can still say that I graduated,” she said.

Her family is raising money for a robotic left arm prosthesis and a three-week neurorehabilitation clinic visit.