Man paralyzed in road rage shooting inspires others

Benefit dinner brings in $2,000

SAN ANTONIO – Doctors said Eddie Moreno Jr. would never speak again.

Paralyzed from the neck down in a road rage shooting, he is now serving as a voice of strength to many here in San Antonio. Moreno Jr. remembers the day his life changed forever.

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It was March 26, 2011. The then 17-year-old was riding in the backseat of his cousins SUV when a road rage incident ended in a gunfire near Loop 410 and Broadway Street.

The Alamo Heights High School basketball player was shot once in the cheek before the bullet lodged into his neck.

Doctors said he wouldn't make it through the night, but six years later his will to live is stronger than ever.

"It feels a lot longer than that” Moreno Jr. said. “People are always telling me I’m an inspiration."

Moreno Jr. attends physical therapy regularly, but it is expensive and must be paid out of pocket.

“It's not cheap, but it's something that, not only physically, but it also helps him mentally." Eddie Moreno Sr., Moreno’s father, said.

The younger Moreno's passion for life also inspired his longtime friend Garry Hardcastle. He organized a dinner benefit Sunday to help with the expenses.

"My problems aren't nearly as big as his, and yet he's out here inspiring people and encouraging people to do better every day," Hardcastle said.

Though difficult, Moreno Jr. said he, too, looks to his support group for help. "That’s what drives me. I’m their motive. I can't just give up," he said.

Sunday night's benefit brought in $2,000, but donations are also being accepted online. Click here to donate.

San Antonio police still have not arrested anyone in connection with the shooting.


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