Macon Change Brooklyn Rouse
Like the city of Macon, Brooklyn Rouse is tough, resilient, hospitable, and full of love.
Her life is a reflection of those values that she holds dear. A life that was forever changed on December 26th, 2016.
Brooklyn Rouse is a survivor of an armed robbery. Things have changed for her, but she has remained motivated. Reflecting on her experience she said, "I have to do things differently now. I can't learn as fast anymore, but I am determined to get that degree.'“
In 2016, Brooklyn Rouse, attended school at, Georgia Southern University. She wanted to make some extra money during her Winter Break, so she decided to work at Dominos. While on a delivery run, she was attacked and robbed at gunpoint. This robbery left her in critical condition where she endured a life-saving surgery. She recalled, “When I woke up, I knew I was in the hospital. I just didn’t know what happened.”
Brooklyn in the front of the Love M sign near the Medical Center of Middle Georgia where she was able to make a full recovery after the shooting.
Despite being in a coma for a month after the shooting, Brooklyn persevered through extensive rehab where she relearned how to walk, talk, read, and write. Through all of this, she received an abundance of support from family, friends, and the community. Her Aunt, Lativa Coleman, rose to the occasion as one of Brooklyn's biggest advocates. She set up a GoFundMe page and gave interviews on her behalf. The frontline staff at The Medical Center, Navicent Health, also made a profound impact on Brooklyn. When I asked where she would like to take photos, she chose there. She said, “that is why this is the first place I wanted to come back to. They did such an amazing job and I can’t thank them enough.'‘
A smile that never stops. No matter the circumstance.
Months after the shooting, she began to open up about her experience. In this video, https://www.macon.com/news/local/article140725018.html/video-embed/amp/sacbee, she speaks about the impact of rehab, the progress she made, the outpour and love she received, and how blessed she felt.
Not only has Brooklyn had a miraculous recovery, but she has also been inspired to take action. She enjoys giving back to the community and has been a part of initiatives like this panel discussion on gun reform. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=slQ5JXDivS8, In this clip, we hear from her father who encourages us to bring kids into the conversation. Events like these are a reflection of Brooklyn’s hope for the city of Macon; for us to come together and make it better.
Brooklyn is thriving in the city she adores. She is back in college at Middle Georgia State University. Her hope is that she can help people by telling her story and support people who have had similar injuries. I am inspired by Brooklyn’s story and her joy. Her personality has remained the same since I have known her from middle school. May we learn from Brooklyn, that there is strength from smiling through the darkest moments.