The Florida high school softball star who was allegedly stabbed 15 times by her stalker ex-boyfriend revealed that she was left paralyzed from the chest down in the sickening attack, but said she’s “going to be okay.”
Madison Schemitz, 17, a rising senior at Ponte Verde High School, spoke publicly for the first time since being ambushed at a local sports bar and restaurant on June 3, allegedly by her deranged ex.
Spencer Pearson, 18, attacked her, her mom and a good Samaritan before turning the knife on himself, police said. He faces two counts of attempted premeditated first-degree murder and aggravated battery with a deadly weapon.
“Regarding my recovery, I am currently paralyzed from the chest down,” Schemitz told reporters Friday at Brooks Rehabilitation, where she was surrounded by her mom, Jaclyn “Jacki” Roge, hero bystander Kennedy Armstrong, friends and medical staff, the Florida Times-Union reported.
Madison Schemitz, 17, the Florida high school softball star who was allegedly stabbed by her ex-boyfriend, revealed that she was left paralyzed from the chest down. WJXT“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 said.
Schemitz expressed her appreciation to everyone who helped save her life and treat her after the harrowing attack — including first responders, doctors, nurses, therapists and nutritionists.
”The individualized care and attentiveness has not gone unnoticed,” she said, according to First Coast News. “Without you guys, I don’t know where I would be today. So, thank you all for pushing me every day to reach my goals while also being a light in the darkness.
Madison Schemitz, 17, the Florida high school softball star who was allegedly stabbed by her ex-boyfriend, Spencer Pearson, has revealed that she was left paralyzed from the chest down. WJXT“More specifically, I thank my mom,” Schemitz continued. “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.”
Armstrong, 23, also was stabbed when he intervened before Pearson began cutting his own throat in an attempt to kill himself, authorities have said.
“My story is just getting started,” Schemitz said.
“I believe there is no looking back now. 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,” Schemitz said.
“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,” added the teen, who was wearing a “Madison Strong” T-shirt.
The One Love Foundation — a national nonprofit named for University of Virginia student Yeardley Love — seeks to end relationship abuse by providing young people with the resources they need to spot signs of trouble.
Pearson cut his throat after the attack in an attempt to kill himself, authorities have said. handout“I hope that by bringing the One Love movement to our community and one day sharing my story, it can help others and ultimately change the way we all treat and love each other,” Schemitz said, according to News4JAX.
During the news conference, Brooks physical therapist Sydney Dalton said Schemitz is one of the hardest-working patients she’s seen.
“No matter what I ask her to do, she’s ready and willing to put in the work for it. Whether she’s tired, physically and mentally, she’s still like, ‘Sure, let’s go, let’s do it,’” Dalton said, according to the news outlet.
Spencer Pearson faces two counts of attempted premeditated first-degree murder and aggravated battery with a deadly weapon. Spencer Pearson / Facebook“Phenomenal work ethic, phenomenal character — all in all a great person and hard worker,” she said.
Meanwhile, Schemitz’s mom has posted a photo to an online fundraising page, showing her daughter meeting Armstrong.
“We got to meet our HERO Kennedy Armstrong! What an incredible young man, so blessed to call him family. Kennedy acted without hesitation or fear, and that is beyond admirable. The smile on Madison’s face remains priceless, no one can break my girl,” Roge wrote.
Kennedy Armstrong was injured after he intervened to stop Pearson’s brutal knife attack.
The post includes a photo of Armstrong, his right arm bandaged after undergoing surgery for a severe hand wound, standing next to a seated Schemitz.
As of Tuesday morning, the GoFundMe account has raised more than $153,000, with another fundraising site reportedly pushing the total donations to almost $200,000.
Pearson, 18, a graduate of Ponte Vedra High School, has been charged with two counts of attempted murder and aggravated battery.
The former high school football player was released from the hospital June 23 and is being held at the St. Johns County jail awaiting trial. Officials said he is in special housing because he remains a suicide risk.
