CLEVELAND, Tenn. – A set of keys belonging to a bright shiny blue 2010 Dodge Grand Caravan symbolize a small step of independence for 13-year-old Keoshia Ford and her family.
“She was the type of person to get up and go,” said LeKeshia Matthews, 30, Keoshia’s mother.
Keoshia remains in a comatose state since March 17 when she was struck in the head by a stray round during a gang shooting. But the van donated to her Tuesday will allow her to travel more.
“Thirteen-year-old kids aren’t supposed to be struck by a gangster’s bullet,” said Larry Hill, owner of the Ford dealership that gave Keoshia the van. “They are not supposed to be in a comatose state the rest of their life.”
Keoshia’s mother and grandmother made the trip to Hill’s dealership in Cleveland on South Lee Highway to pick up the van, which is outfitted with two power sliding side doors and removable center seats to allow enough room for a wheelchair to be secured to the floor.