October 1, 2017, changed everything for many families who went through a nightmare and lost their loved ones in what is believed to be one of the most horrific mass shootings the country has ever witnessed.
A maniac opened fire at a large audience during the Route 91 Harvest Music Festival in Las Vegas, Nevada, claiming the lives of forty-eight people and injuring 851 more.
One of the victims was Jovanna Calzadillas. The 30-year-old mother was at the concert with her husband, Francisco ‘Frank’ Calzadillas, when the shooter opened fire.
As the crowd broke out in panic. Jovanna was shot in his head and fell to the ground.
Jovanna was taken to the nearest hospital, but doctors had little hope for her chances of survival.
Having taken a shot to the head, she naturally required emergency treatment.
Jovanna’s husband, Francisco ‘Frank’ Calzadillas, who was with her when the shooting took place, was told he should consider taking her off life support.
He couldn’t possibly imagine his life without his wife and was very hesitant about the doctors’ words, although he was aware the chances of his wife ever recovering were beyond slim.
But one night everything changed. He had a vivid dream — in it, his wife approached him, whispering that “everything will be fine”.
When Frank woke up, his decision was made: He refused to shut down Jovana’s respirator. He would never give up hope for his wife.
Miraculously, Jovanna woke up against all odds. Even the doctors were stunned at the sudden occurance.
“Her shot injury was difficult, but we prayed and hoped and then she woke up,” said Frank, a policeman with the Salt River Police Department in Arizona.
Of course, her recovery took a lot of time and a lot of strength, but she knew she needed to fight hard not only for her but for her husband and children too.
The memories of the massacre hunt her until this very day, but she tries to put that experience behind.
Today, Jovanna speaks of her feeling openly and does all in her power to lead a normal life.
“Some of me disappeared that night on October 1,” she says. “Even though I will not be the same old Jovanna, I will come back stronger.”
“I will fight for them,” adds Jovanna, referring to her family. “And I will not stop believing in myself.”
Her powerful message is now touching victims of the horrific attack in Las Vegas and others around the world who may be living with fear after any given tragedy.
“We will not let people like him [the shooter] win,” she says. “And we will not live in fear”.
Watch this news report about Jovanna’s amazing journey:
Jovanna speaking publicly whilst continuing to heal is such an act of courage. Her words are helping other victims and helping them get back to a regular routine after the devastating attack.
Her inspiring story is a great example of how we can overcome any obstacle, regardless of the circumstances.
We must continue to fight for what is right and what we believe in, regardless of what comes our way.
