At the young age of 7, Tyrek Marquez became a victim, a statistic of gun violence in Hartford.
“In August of 2008 we attended the West Indian Parade and shots rang out and Tyrek got hit with a stray bullet to the head,” said September Chatfield, Tyrek’s mother.
The wound left him partially paralyzed on his left side. Little tasks became hard.
“For us what we consider simple, like zipping up his coat and tying his shoes, he can’t do because he has no usage in that arm,” said Chatfield.
To help Tyrek, who is now 12, The Frosty Mug in New Britain opened its doors to his family and friends.
They gathered for food and fellowship and even a surprise as Target donated a bike to Tyrek.
The fundraiser is to send him off to a summer camp in Waterbury.
“I want to go to the camp because it will, hopefully, make my left arm work more,” said Tyrek Marquez.
Tyrek and his mother now speak out against gun violence.
“It needs to stop or more people will be dying and a lot of people will be losing more loved ones because of the gun violence that’s gone on,” said Tyrek.
“Tyrek is a clear example of the kind of impact gun violence has on people long term,” said Andrew Woods of Hartford Communities That Care.
The camp is $3,700, three weeks long and another hurdle for the boy to overcome.
“We just want him to gain some more independence,” said Chatfield.
You can make donations at any Webster Bank by using his name. Or you can click here to donate online.