Just over a month ago, 4-year-old Na'vaun Lamarii Price Jackson accidentally shot himself in the head. Na'vaun got ahold of his mother's boyfriend's gun, which he had left underneath his pillow and forgotten to lock up. The boyfriend, Terrence L. Wilson, was charged with one count of child abuse, one count of possession of a firearm by a felon and one count of first-degree criminal firearm storage. Brijjanna Price, Na'vaun's mom, said she was aware the gun was in the house, but didn't know where it was.
Doctors told Brijjanna that her son would most likely be brain dead, but in a news conference this week, the mom told reporters that Na'vaun was defying the odds.
"He's breathing on his own, he's doing something different every day," she said. "Everything the doctors saying, God says different."
As for the boyfriend, Brijjanna didn't mention him by name, but made it clear that she and Na'vaun won't be living there anymore.
"I don't even plan on talking to anyone associated with that house," she admitted.
Na'vaun's grandfather, Ramon Price, started a GoFundMe page for the young boy, and also posts a lot of updates on his personal Facebook page. Ramon, a preacher, is using his faith and prayers to heal his grandson. He also gave an update on what exactly doctors are saying about Na'vaun's condition.
"Na'Vaun has some irreversible brain damage they not sure what part of his body it will affect but he is expected to survive and that is what is most important to me and my family thank you for your financial support please keep us in prayer we have a long road ahead of us but God [sic]" Ramon wrote.
"What a Mighty God we serve," he wrote alongside pictures of Na'vaun awake in bed. "Prayer really does change things. From ICU to physical therapy. Please continue to lift my grandson myself and the rest of my family up in prayer."
The family had another scare three days ago, when Na'vaun required emergency surgery to repair leakage from his injury.
"Earlier today due to leakage from his head they had to operate again the operation was successful the leakage has been stopped and now we can concentrate on his physical therapy and helping him to get well," Ramon wrote on the GoFundMe page. "Thank you all for your love and support it is a much-needed and highly appreciated."
Since that surgery, though, it seems like Na'vaun has been getting even better.
"Thanking God something new everyday he's getting stronger and stronger NA'VAUN WE LOVE YOU," Ramon wrote, accompanied by videos of the young boy eating.
The family's GoFundMe page has reached over $3,000 of the $50,000 goal, and will use that money for medical bills as well as cost of living, since Brijjanna hasn't been working while her son is in the hospital. People have been sending their prayers to the family, unable to imagine what they're going through.
"Na'Vaun we are praying for your speedy recovery and sending lots and lots of love," one couple wrote. "God bless you and your family during this difficult (but faith building) time. Can't wait to see what great things God must have in mind for your life child!"
"I have a four year old daughter and I can't imagine how hard this for the family," someone else said. "I pray for for full and complete recovery. God is good!!!! God bless. :-)"
"Sending prayers to lil man and the family Lord wrap your loving precious arms around this baby Father God only you know Lord what's next Father God give him the strength Father God to heal and take one day at a time Lord give his [mom] the strength To give this and the family help the mind to stay strong in JESUS AMEN," another wrote.
Na'vaun's perseverance is an inspiration to all of us, and shows that no matter what others say, with love and support, anything is possible.
