In front of a crowd of supporters, John Crosby spoke the words his son had written.
"I truly believe the prayers are helping me to get stronger and healthier every day," Crosby said.
And already, Matt Crosby has been showing improvement, sitting up, seeing visitors and starting therapy. His father calls this remarkable, considering what happened. The Rock Hill officer was shot while responding to a domestic dispute. The bullet lodged near his spine. He was rushed to St. John's Mercy Medical Center, where he's been in intensive care.
But somehow, throughout the whole ordeal, Matt has managed to look on the bright side.
"He said, 'I don't care if I'm paralyzed forever dad.' He said, 'I'm alive for my boys,'" Crosby said.
And it's this attitude that appears to be making all the difference.
"People come to the hospital to see Matt. They go in sad, well I don't know what we should say," Crosby said. "They come out laughing and smiling. Matt is cheering every one of us up."
"Obviously, physically we've got a long, long way to go. But if attitude has anything to do with his recovery, he's going to do fine," said family friend Dennis Hess.
Friends that gathered to sign cards and buy t-shirts wanted to make sure that's the case. The fundraiser is intended to bridge the gap and to take care of the things insurance just doesn't cover.
"For their vehicle, for their home, for their children," said city manager George Liyeos.
For a while, Matt Crosby might have to use a wheelchair. He has no feeling from the chest down. But doctors say once the swelling goes down, that may change. His family is optimistic that's the case and that someday he'll walk again.
"He knows it and we do too. That's why we're not devastated, because we know Matt. And we know it's going to happen," said Crosby.
There are several additional fundraisers for Officer Crosby coming up.
On Saturday, April 17 from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m., six-year old Jackson Parks will have a lemonade stand at the corner of McKnight and Manchester. On Friday, April 30 at 7 p.m., there will be another fundraiser at the St. Louis Police Officers' Association Hall at 3710 Hampton Avenue. Tickets are $15 for adults, and kids are free.
On Thursday May 27 at 5 p.m. there will be a dinner and auction at Latitude 26 Tex Mex at 6407 Clayton Avenue. It will be hosted by the Webster Groves Police Department. Also, donations to the Matthew Crosby Charitable Fund can be made at any Heartland Bank./>
