As a nurse wheeled 11-year-old Jayden Grant into the Maimonides Medical Center’s 6th’ Floor Atrium, family, friends, teachers, neighbors, anti-gun violence advocates and city officials gave him a thunderous heartfelt ovation, which appeared half appreciative and half overwhelming at times to the child.
The event was Grant’s belated elementary graduation from New Bridges Elementary School, PS 532, at 1025 Eastern Parkway in Crown Heights.
The belated diploma giving was because Grant is recovering from a random gunshot wound to the chest that left him paralyzed from the waist down. The incident occurred at about 7 p.m., June 20 as Jaydon existed a local Crown Heights barbershop with his father on Schenectady Avenue.
“In these last couple of weeks, Jayden has shown us determination in a whole new level, in a way that we wish that he never had to do, and he is a model for us of what it means to be strong and fearless, no matter what challenges are in his way,” said New Bridge Principal Kevyn Bowles. “It’s an honor to recognize and celebrate that level of determination today.”
Among those who praised Grant was the New York Police Department’s (NYPD) Brooklyn North Assistant Chief Joseph Campbell and firefighters from FDNY Engine 234/Ladder Station at 1352 St. Johns Place in Crown Heights. Both showered Jayden with gifts.
Jayden truly is Brooklyn’s champion, [who is] leading to end gun violence in Brooklyn,” said Reverend Kevin Jones, a representative of Save Our Streets, an anti-gun violence group that gave Grant a survivor’s award.
“On behalf of the mayor, myself and the 8.4 million people in this city, I want you to know we have your back,” said The Mayor’s Community Affairs Commissioner Marco Carrion. “Whatever you need, we’re there for you.”
Grants’ grandmother, Bessie Watson-Grant, said Jayden had been feeling better of late and hoped to have him home from the hospital in two weeks.
“He’s a great kid, and we’re praying for a miracle that he’ll get back on his feet. Everybody seems to be praying for him and we appreciate it. Continue to pray for him, because we believe in miracles,” she said.
The family set up a Hope and Healing For Jayden Grant GoFundMe to help in his recovery and to defray expenses. People wishing to donate can click here.
