**Support for Kansas City Shooting Victims**
Christopher Smith reports for KFF Health News
Jason Barton’s reluctance to attend the Super Bowl parade stemmed from concerns about potential violence. Despite his fears, he accompanied his wife, Bridget, and their companions to the event in downtown Kansas City, Missouri. The aftermath of the parade left them traumatized, with Bridget finding a bullet in her backpack and Gabriella sustaining burns from a ricocheted bullet.
The Bartons’ harrowing experience during the parade has left a lasting impact on their lives. They were in close proximity to the tragic death of Lisa Lopez-Galvan and witnessed numerous injuries. While not officially counted among the victims, the emotional and physical toll on the Bartons has been significant, leading them to withdraw from social activities and seek solace at home.
In the wake of the shooting, community leaders in Kansas City are grappling with how to allocate the substantial donations received for victim support. Questions arise regarding the compensation for medical expenses, counseling, and lost wages, as well as the long-term care for individuals experiencing PTSD-like symptoms.
As the legal proceedings against the shooting suspects progress, prosecutors are urging additional victims to come forward. Bridget Barton’s act of turning in the bullet she found to the authorities underscores the ongoing efforts to seek justice and support those affected by the tragedy.
Jackson County Prosecutor Jean Peters Baker emphasizes the importance of identifying and assisting individuals who suffered injuries while trying to escape the chaos. The distribution of funds raised for victim support poses challenges, with some receiving substantial aid while others may have limited access to resources.
The economic impact of firearm injuries in the United States is staggering, with an estimated annual cost of $557 billion. The aftermath of the Kansas City shooting has prompted a collective response from organizations like the United Way of Greater Kansas City, aiming to provide comprehensive support to all those affected.
In conclusion, the aftermath of the Kansas City shooting underscores the urgent need for coordinated efforts to address the physical, emotional, and financial needs of the victims and their families. The community’s response to the tragedy reflects a commitment to healing and resilience in the face of adversity.
Dealing with the Aftermath of the Kansas City Shooting
Following the tragic events in Kansas City, Bridget Barton promptly returned to the city to hand over a bullet she discovered in her backpack and provide a statement at the police headquarters. Unbeknownst to her, Mayor Quinton Lucas and the police and fire chiefs had just concluded a press conference outside the building. Surrounded by the media, she found herself engulfed in a series of interviews that now seem like a blur.
Expressing her astonishment, Bridget once remarked to a detective, “I don’t know how you guys manage this every day,” upon finally gaining access inside.
The Barton family has been inundated with heartfelt messages from close friends and relatives as they navigate through the trauma, reaching a point of near exhaustion. Bridget took to social media to clarify that she wasn’t neglecting the messages but responding as she felt capable—some days, she admitted, she could barely bring herself to glance at her phone.
Amidst the chaos, a family friend stepped in to purchase new Barbie blankets for Gabriella and her friend after the originals were lost or damaged during the parade. Attempting to replace the blankets at a local Walmart, Bridget was unexpectedly jostled, triggering a panic attack that led her to abandon her shopping cart and head home.
“I’m actively working on managing my anxiety,” Bridget shared.
This endeavor involves therapy. Even before the parade incident, she had been in therapy and was planning to commence eye-movement desensitization and reprocessing, a therapeutic approach linked with addressing post-traumatic stress disorder. Presently, the shooting incident dominates her therapy discussions.
Meanwhile, Gabriella, an eighth-grade student, has returned to middle school, grappling with the added pressures of adolescence. Some peers have displayed immaturity by telling her to move on, mimicking gun gestures towards her, or even suggesting that she should have been the one harmed. However, her true friends are checking in on her well-being and offering support. She expresses a desire for more people to extend the same care to her friend, who fled when the shooting erupted, escaping unscathed. Gabriella harbors guilt for exposing her friend to such a harrowing ordeal.
“We can reassure her repeatedly, ‘It wasn’t your fault. She’s not your responsibility.’ Just as I can remind myself, ‘It wasn’t my fault or my responsibility,'” Bridget reflected. “Yet, I still found myself in tears, apologizing to her mom for prioritizing my child’s safety.”
Since the incident, the two girls have engaged in numerous conversations, which Gabriella finds comforting amidst her own stress. Spending time with her pets, applying makeup, and listening to music, particularly enjoying Tech N9ne’s performance during the Super Bowl celebration, have all contributed to easing her distress.
In addition to the burns on Gabriella’s legs from the incident, falling onto the concrete exacerbated a pre-existing burn wound on her stomach caused by a styling iron.
“When I look at that wound, I envision my mom shielding me and witnessing everyone fleeing,” Gabriella shared.
Impact of the Kansas City Shooting on Bridget Barton’s Family
Gabriella, Bridget Barton’s daughter, experienced a burn on her stomach from a styling iron that reopened when she fell during the parade. This incident triggers memories of her mother shielding her during the chaotic event. Subsequently, Gabriella opted to join a boxing club instead of a dance team.
Christopher Smith for KFF Health News
Bridget expressed feeling neglected by the public, noting that the shooting and its survivors have gradually disappeared from the media, with the exception of court proceedings. Following the parade, two more high-profile shootings occurred in the vicinity, leading Bridget to question the community’s concern for the ongoing impact on her family.
In a candid social media post, Bridget vented her frustration, stating, “I’m going to put this as plainly as possible. I’m upset because my family endured a traumatic experience. All we seek is acknowledgment that ‘Your story matters, too, and we care about your well-being.’ Unfortunately, we have not received that recognition.”
Understanding the Support for Kansas City Shooting Victims
Following the tragic events in Kansas City, donations for the family of Lopez-Galvan, the victim, and other affected individuals surged, spurred on by contributions from notable figures like Swift and Kelce, each donating $100,000. The Kansas City Chiefs also made a significant $200,000 donation, propelling the United Way’s #KCStrong campaign to raise $1.2 million.
Various GoFundMe accounts were set up, including one dedicated to the Lopez-Galvan family, which has amassed over $406,000. Additional funds were initiated by a local student and fans of Swift. Churches and a local coalition have also joined the cause, raising funds for funeral expenses, counseling services, and medical bills at Children’s Mercy Kansas City hospital.
Seeking guidance, organizers looked to other cities that had experienced similar tragedies. The United Way’s Blubaugh reached out to counterparts in Orlando, Buffalo, and Newtown, drawing upon their experiences to navigate the aftermath of the Kansas City shooting.
Blubaugh mentioned that disbursements from the #KCStrong fund may commence by March’s end. The United Way has been inundated with calls through their 211 line, collaborating with hospitals and law enforcement to confirm victims and provide necessary support services.
### Coping with Trauma Through Arts and Crafts Projects
Bridget Barton, residing in Osawatomie, Kan, finds solace in creating a corsage for a family member’s wedding. Following the distressing events at the Super Bowl parade in Kansas City, Mo, Barton turns to arts and crafts as a therapeutic outlet. The healing process through creativity is captured beautifully in Barton’s endeavors.
### The Diverse Needs of Kansas City Shooting Victims
The aftermath of the Kansas City shootings reveals a wide spectrum of needs among the victims. Some are recuperating from gunshot wounds in the comfort of their homes, while others are actively seeking counseling. Chief Stacey Graves of the Kansas City Police notes that many affected individuals were initially overlooked, emphasizing the complexity of the situation.
### Prioritizing Assistance for Victims
United Way officials engaged in crucial discussions to determine the eligibility criteria for aid distribution. Three primary areas were identified for focus: supporting wounded victims and their families, collaborating with existing organizations involved in violence intervention and mental health services, and extending assistance to first responders.
### Strategic Allocation of Funds
The allocated funds aim to alleviate financial burdens such as medical expenses and lost wages for those unable to work post the tragic shootings. The urgency to provide swift aid is balanced with the necessity to allocate resources thoughtfully and effectively. Sarah Blubaugh highlights the importance of a comprehensive understanding of both the available funds and the diverse needs of the affected individuals.
In conclusion, the community’s concerted efforts to support the Kansas City shooting victims reflect a compassionate and strategic approach to address the multifaceted challenges arising from the tragic event.
Witnessing the Impact of Daily Violence in Kansas City
Jason opted to utilize his final sick day to be present at home with Bridget and Gabriella. Being an overnight automation technician, he serves as the main provider for the family.
He expressed, “I cannot afford to miss work, you know? The incident involving the Kansas City shooting victims occurred. It was a terrible experience. However, it is essential to progress and leave it behind.”
“Bridget interrupted, describing him as a man’s man.”
Upon returning to work, Jason’s presence triggered a commotion as the noise of dishes crashing to the ground startled Bridget and Gabriella, leading them to embrace each other in tears.
Bridget expressed, “The Kansas City shooting victims are struggling with the sudden flashbacks.”
The
Kansas City shooting victims
incident has actually strengthened the family bond. Recent challenges include Jason overcoming a heart attack and cancer. Parenting a teenager poses its own set of difficulties.
When looking at the Kansas City shooting victims, Bridget acknowledges the bullet found in her backpack narrowly missed her, while Gabriella’s legs were burned by sparks but she managed to avoid being shot.
Jason expresses gratitude for a different reason: the incident did not turn out to be a terrorist attack, as he had feared initially. Rather, it aligns with the kind of gun violence he had grown used to witnessing while living in Kansas City, which experienced its highest number of shooting victims last year. Despite being in proximity to such violence for the first time, Jason remains thankful.
He mentioned, “The Kansas City shooting victims face this every day. The distinction is that we witnessed it firsthand.”
KFF Health News, previously identified as Kaiser Health News (KHN), functions as a nationwide newsroom dedicated to creating comprehensive journalistic content on health-related topics. It stands as a fundamental operational initiative within KFF, an autonomous entity renowned for its health policy research, surveys, and journalism.
