The 19-year-old University of Ottawa student who survived a knife attack by a man who killed her mother and sister outside their Alta Vista home is out of hospital, says a friend.
Catherine Ready was taken to hospital on June 27 with serious injuries, including a non-life-threatening gunshot wound from a police bullet.
“Catherine’s challenges continue but she has demonstrated unparalleled courage despite her loss,” said Naomi Eberhard, the co-organizer with Caroline Poirier of a GoFundMe campaign for Catherine, in a message on Monday. “She has been home from the hospital since this past Wednesday and is doing well. She and her family still face uncertainties but they are doing their best, one step at a time.”
Police responding to a 911 call shot dead neighbour Joshua Graves, 21, as he was stabbing Catherine in front of her home on Anoka Street.
Her mother, Anne-Marie, 50, and 15-year-old sister Jasmine were killed and found nearby.
The crowd-funding campaign to raise money for Catherine surpassed its $50,000 goal and will continue with a new goal of $75,000, say organizers.
As of Monday evening, $57,782 had been raised.
The money will be given to Catherine to help with her expenses and recovery.
“We received overwhelming support and we were totally blown away by the donations and response,” said Eberhard. “We raised the goal as we knew there were still people wishing to donate who had not had the opportunity to and we wanted give them space to do so.”
People have dropped off flowers and messages in a box left in the front yard of the Ready home.
Many people have left messages of love and support, said Eberhard. One person left a pouch of tobacco, noting that it was an Indigenous tradition, she said.
https://smartcdn.gprod.postmedia.digital/ottawacitizen/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/0704-memorial-03_271174532-w-e1657583190876.jpg?quality="90&strip=all&w=576 2x" height="655" loading="lazy" src="https://smartcdn.gprod.postmedia.digital/ottawacitizen/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/0704-memorial-03_271174532-w-e1657583190876.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&w=288" width="997"/>
“(The family) would like to thank everyone for their beautiful gestures, support, donations and thoughts, said Eberhard. “They are overwhelmed by the support through the GoFundMe, and the generosity of friends, family and strangers will help Catherine immensely as she takes these steps into her new and unknown life.”
Eberhard said earlier that it will be difficult for Catherine to start work and school immediately. After such a physical, psychological and emotional trauma, “the bare essentials of life will be a challenge.
Donors to the GoFundMe page also posted messages of grief and support.
“I cried when I first heard about this story,” wrote one donor. “The tragedy of two lives being gone just like that and of the survivor having to forge ahead in this new reality is heart-breaking and unfair.”
“Having two daughters, this story hurts so much,” wrote another. “One of my daughters was friends with Jasmine and it has been difficult every day. I can say with certainty that Ottawa will shine through and support Catherine in any possible way.”
Friends from Douvris karate school organized the fundraiser. Anne-Marie and Jasmine both trained there and had recently received their black belts.
Anne-Marie Ready, 50, was a trade commissioner at Global Affairs Canada. Jasmine was a student at Franco-Cité secondary school and had just finished Grade 10.
Post a Comment