Madison Strong: Here's what Ponte Vedra teen in June 3 Mr. Chubby's stabbing has to say
A little over a month since another horrifying attack in St. Johns County, 17-year-old stabbing victim Madison Schemitz resolutely says “It’s going to be OK.”
The Ponte Vedra High School rising senior and softball player spoke to the public Friday for the first time since she and her mother were assaulted in a crowded restaurant, Mr. Chubby’s Wings, in Ponte Vedra Beach. After her mother and a couple of patrons intervened, Madison's ex-boyfriend and suspect Spencer Ross Pearson began slicing his own throat and just recently was released from the hospital and jailed with no bail, according to authorities.
With her mother Jaclyn “Jacki” Roge, who also suffered several wounds, sitting by her side as well as a care team at Brooks Rehabilitation, Madison joked with her friends beforehand and then spoke to the media for about 10 minutes.
'No respect for life': Aiden Fucci gets only appropriate sentence for Tristyn Bailey slaying
What we know: 17-year-old Florida girl stabbed 15 times before attacker cuts his own throat
“Regarding my recovery, I am currently paralyzed from the chest down,” she said, sitting upright but very active with her hands and gestures. “It will be a long and hard road, but I am determined and confident in myself that I will reach my goals to one day walk again … My story is just getting started.”
She thanked everyone from first responders, doctors, nurses and therapists, friends, family and the community — her “light in the darkness.”
“More specifically I thank my mom,” Madison said. “My mom was one of my heroes that day. My love for her is endless and I am so lucky to be her daughter. And finally, Kennedy Armstrong, the man who saved my life that day. I am forever endlessly grateful for the brave acts he showed. Kennedy is and forever will be my hero and is now family for life.”
Much like the tragic case of 13-year-old Tristyn Bailey’s demise also in St. Johns County, she and many of her supporters were wearing “Madison Strong” shirts and are trying to make the world a better place.
“I believe there is no looking back now,” she said. “Everything happens for a reason. I am incredibly lucky to be alive today. I will take each day as its own opportunity to live and make a difference in the world. Moving forward I will be starting a One Love chapter at my high school in hopes of raising awareness about the unhealthy behaviors and relationships.”
The One Love movement is to create a world with healthier relationships and empower and advocate for young people. Hopefully her story will help “change the way we all treat and love each other,” Madison said.
She also recently met the young man who was just arriving at the restaurant and sprang into action tackling the suspect to help stop the onslaught and suffered deep cuts himself.
"We got to meet our HERO Kennedy Armstrong!” her mother said according to a post on their Ponte Vedra Beach Moms Gofundme page June 26. “What an incredible young man, so blessed to now call him family. There are no words to really express our gratitude. Kennedy acted without hesitation or fear, and that is so beyond admirable. The smile on Madison's face remains priceless, no one can break my girl.”
Armstrong also credits his friend Jimmy Stepp for jumping in to assist.
What happened at Mr. Chubby's
Madison and her mother were at the sports bar and restaurant on June 3 when they saw Pearson, who they said had been stalking Madison since their breakup. As they began to leave, the 18-year-old and former classmate and football player charged toward them, witnesses and the Sheriff’s Office said. Madison was cut about 15 times and Roge was slashed as she tried to fight him off. That’s when the two good Samaritans also intervened.
In front of the stunned restaurant-goers, Pearson then began “steadily” cutting his own throat in an attempt to kill himself, according to the arrest warrant. He is now charged with aggravated battery and two counts of attempted murder. He was released from the hospital June 23 and is in the St. Johns County jail awaiting trial.
How to help Madison Schemitz and Jacki Roge
Madison noted her and her mother’s gratitude for the fundraisers, particularly by Mr. Chubby’s and Flo’s Ice Cream, that have been organized to help with her care and expenses. There’s also two Gofundme accounts set up for them that have raised nearly $200,000 as of Friday.
Madison said she plans to "do everything a normal high school kid would do” and wants to go to college.
“Everybody is behind me, there is no one holding me back,” Madison said.
This article originally appeared on Florida Times-Union: Paralyzed victim in Ponte Vedra stabbing at Mr. Chubby's speaks out
