Hey guys. How are you doing today? My name is DeVante Henton. I’m 30 years old, and I was born in Detroit, Michigan. I graduated from Southfield High School in 2010. My hobbies include reading, watching sports and playing video games. I’m currently enrolled at Wayne County Community College. I’m here to talk to you about how hanging out with the wrong crowd almost cost me my life. So I pray, any young person who hears my story will be always aware of their surroundings and take heed of their parents’ words of caution. Poor decision making can lead into dangerous circumstances that may alter your life forever if you allow it.

In 2008 at the age of 15, I was shot in the head with an AK47 while gambling with friends. A witness called 911 immediately, but it took over an hour for an ambulance to arrive. I was taken to Henry Ford Hospital and after evaluating me, the doctors told my family that I was going to die more than five times and if I did live, that I would be in a vegetative state for the rest of my life! I stayed at Henry Ford for about two weeks then I got transferred to Children’s Hospital where I was there, four to five months. I had to re-learn how to do everything. I can remember learning how to speak again. My first words were “Hi Mom!” I can remember her facial expression when I spoke those words to her.  It was priceless. I left Children’s Hospital in a wheelchair and I felt like I had disappointed everyone because I told my mom that I would walk out of that hospital, but that didn’t happen.

I was fortunate enough to have the support of my family throughout this whole transition. As a result, I was able to move home with their help. Even with all the support and love from my family, I still would experience bouts of depression as a result of my physical condition.  I really felt empty inside. I would sit in my bed for days just thinking to myself why did God punish me? What did I do that was so wrong that this had to happen to me? Until one day when I “decided,” and built up enough courage to try and end my life by taking 13 muscle relaxers. Jesus Christ kept me here, and through hard work and dedication I was able to walk again and graduate high school.

Eight years later I was in a car accident in which I’m recovering from in addition to my gunshot wound. My speech and pain levels worsened because of the car accident. I also broke my left wrist and ankle in the accident but my journey isn’t over 13 years later. I’m continuing outpatient therapy at TheRecovery Project including Physical Therapy, Speech Therapy and
Occupational Therapy.

According to the U.S. statistics, and also the research of Dr Khoi Than Of Duke University Neurology, Gunshots in wounds to the head are fatal 90 percent of time with many victims dying before they even reach the hospital. For the victims that do survive the initial trauma, 50 percent of them die before they reach the emergency room. Gunshot wounds to the head attribute to an estimated 35 percent of all traumatic brain injury deaths. Also about 50 percent of surviving victims suffer from seizures and require anti-epilepsy medication. I’m blessed to say that I’ve only had one seizure during 13 years of survival. Although I’m facing many obstacles right now, I’m currently working through them all like the late great Nipsey Hussle said, “Life isn’t a sprint it’s a marathon,” and I’m a marathon runner. Despite all the pain and injuries, I’m still here, standing strong and thankful for another day. With that being said I pray that you never ever give up on your dreams and you must put GOD first in everything you do. Also you must remember to practice patients and never stop believing in yourself no matter how dire your situation may become. You must keep your head and spirits high and you’ll eventually reach your destiny if it’s God’s WILL!