An Ottawa mother is vowing to regain the use of her legs and independence after she was shot in the throat nearly one year ago.
Cathleen Lavoie, 42, is living at a long-term care home in Ottawa's east end as she recovers from injuries she received in an attack at her home on Marlin Private last July.
Lavoie, who is known as "Mary Poppins" to her neighbours, was shot in the neck. She is now in a wheelchair and is unable to live on her own.
"Everything was taken away from me in seconds," Lavoie told CTV Ottawa.
She says she thought she was dying that night, but her kids wouldn't let her go.
"I saw a beautiful light, and wasn't afraid anymore," she said. "I went with it, and I heard 'Mom,' and I came back."
Lavoie's comeback has been slow and often painful. She couldn't talk at first and had no movement in her upper body.
That was until Dec. 29, when she suddenly started having better movement in her hands.
After spending months in hospital, Lavoie now lives at Extendicare Laurier Manor, a long-term care home where she's trying to garner the strength she needs to move on.
"It is hard, but I have faith. I believe I'm a miracle because not many people can survive a bullet wound to the throat. I do believe I'll come out of this," Lavoie told CTV Ottawa.
Those around her say they admire her determination and believe she will overcome her injuries to make a better future for herself and her children.
"She is very remarkable, motivated. She is determined to change this into a good news story for herself and her children," said Kris Guty, who works at Laurier Manor.
The man charged with trying to kill Lavoie, is scheduled to appear in court in July.
Lavoie says she plans to be in court to testify against him. She says she's scared and anxious, but determined to see the case through to the end.
With a report from CTV Ottawa's Joanne Schnurr
