Hero of Hope: Gabby Giffords
Thursday, September 19, 2013 at 2:03PM 
The Story:
Elected in 2007, Gabrielle “Gabby” Giffords was a likeable, hardworking United States Congresswoman for Arizona’s 8th district. Mark Kelly, Gabby’s husband, describes her as, “…all at once an intellectual, a business woman, a community advocate, a cowgirl, a biker chick.” She was a devoted Congresswoman so committed to her constituents she would “put on her tennis shoes and start walking around the district 10 hours a day, meeting every single person.” The morning of January 8, 2011, Gabby was hosting one of her “Congress on Your Corner” events in Tucson when a gunman attacked. A bullet struck Gabby in the forehead and passed through the left side of her brain, leaving her in critical condition. On this January morning, Gabby Giffords’ life changed forever.
The Inspiration:
Having suffered such severe trauma, Gabby was given less than a 10% chance of survival. When Gabby awoke from the coma weeks after the attack, she did not know where or who she was. Her doctors weren’t sure that she would ever be able to speak again. Despite these overwhelming odds, as Colleen Curry of ABC News writes, “Gabby not only survived, but has come farther than anyone could have imagined in the months since, fighting her way one breath and one hard-fought word at a time.”
In order to focus on her recovery, Gabby stepped down from Congress in January of 2012. In the same video announcing her decision to give up her congressional seat, Gabby declared, “I’m getting better. Every day, my spirit is high. I will return and we will work together for Arizona and this great country.” Gabby has in fact lived up to her promise. Fighting for gun safety measures, Gabby’s recent efforts are helping prevent others from being injured in similar tragedies. She has made several appearances arguing in favor of gun safety controls and even spoke in front of the Senate Judiciary Committee in January 2013. “You must act. Be bold. Be courageous,” she told the Senators, “Americans are counting on you.” She and Mark have even started an organization called Americans for Responsible Solutions to encourage elected officials and the public to come together and develop common-sense gun control measures.
The success Gabby has achieved in her recovery so far is encouraging. Her hard work and determination make her truly inspirational. The selflessness and care for others she has shown through it all make her a hero.
6 people were killed and 12 others wounded in the same attack. Along with Gabby, please keep them in your thoughts and prayers. To conclude with Mark's words, “Optimism is a form of healing and hope a form of love.”
Learn More:
The first video below is the beginning segment of Diane Sawyer’s 20/20 special on Gabby and Mark. In the second video, from January 2012, watch as Gabby makes the promise mentioned above that she will return to an active life of public service.
Also, their book, “Gabby: A Story of Courage and Hope,” is definitely on our MFM reading list. If you do read it, or have read it in the past, post a comment to let us know what you think!
Click the picture below to purchase on Amazon.
Articles on Gabby and Mark:
Giffords for Congress, "About Gabrielle"
NPR News, "Life with 'Gabby,' Before and After the Shooting."