Following a shooting incident in Watonga on Oct. 21, Issac Sanders is on the road to recovery. Sanders was struck in the head by a bullet during the incident. The manner of injury and how he came to be shot is still under investigation and no information has been released about it.
Sanders, 15, spent four weeks in the hospital in Oklahoma City, split between the OU Trauma Center and Children’s Hospital.
He had surgery Nov. 15 to remove the bullet that hovered dangerously in his skull.
“He remembers more of it (the shooting),” said Sha-Marie Huff, Sanders’ mother. “He hasn’t been questioned yet, but he wants to be heard and cooperate with the investigators,” she said. The family believes law enforcement will come to the family home this week to speak with Sanders.
But Sanders is making huge strides on his own, his parents said.
“He is a walking, talking miracle,” his mother said. “He had a bullet in his brain, and they were able to get it out. For him to go through all he did and still be the same kid, it’s a miracle, it really is.” She said there are very few, if any indications of lasting damage. Sanders will continue the eighth grade virtually for the remainder of the school year.
“It has truly been a rollercoaster ride,” said Kirk Huff, Sanders’ dad. “The main thing is we really appreciate everyone who has reached out, with food, with money, with fuel, especially with prayers.”
At this early stage, the family is unsure what portion of Sanders’ medical bills insurance will cover. However, they have not started a crowdfunding campaign, relying instead on local and school- based fundraisers and donations to help meet the challenge the young man will face going forward.