Community supports partially paralyzed teen with recovery

TUPELO, Miss. (WCBI) – A Tupelo teenager partially paralyzed by a shooting celebrated Christmas in a new home this year.

For Keshun Vasser being able to go from room to room in his home is a major accomplishment.

The 13-year-old Tupelo Middle School student was partially paralyzed after he was shot in the neck in September of 2017.

After months of rehab, Keshun returned to the apartment he shared with his mother and grandmother.

He was confined to the living room because of the floor plan.

“Felt like it was smaller, If I just wanted to see my mama, I couldn’t do that, in her room,” said Keshun.

The community rallied behind Keshun and an anonymous donor provided $50,000 for a handicapped accessible van.

With money leftover, his mother was able to put a down payment on a house, but it needed a lot of work.

Members from West Jackson Street Baptist Church got to work, making the home handicapped accessible for Keshun and his motorized wheelchair. The Vassers were able to celebrate Christmas in their new home and they are thankful for the ongoing support.

“It’s been such a blessing, just to be able to have enough room where he can come in the living room , go to his room, come to my room, just being able to move around in the house, enough space to where we can have friends and family over,and eat dinner,” Teetta Vasser said.

“I’m just grateful they helped us get this house, other stuff we needed, so I could be comfortable, my mom doesn’t have to stress or worry about other stuff we have to do,” said Keshun.

Keshun and his mother say having the extra space not only makes things easier, but is another example of how their Christian faith has never let them down during this journey.

Keshun says he is looking forward to the last semester of his time in the middle school.

He will be a freshman at Tupelo High School in August.