WATCH: Deserae Turner — Tougher Than a Bullet

On Feb. 16, 2017, 14-year-old Deserae Turner’s life was forever changed. The talented state-champion horse rider was shot in the head and left for dead in a canal in Smithfield.  She lay in that cold wintery canal for eight hours before being found by her school teacher. Her body temperature at the time was 78 degrees, and she was not expected to survive.

Today, Deserae is beating the odds and thriving in miraculous ways.  After spending 63 days at Primary Children’s Hospital, she told the media “I’m tougher than a bullet.” Her comeback story of faith, courage, and determination has allowed her to fulfill her dreams. She has been an inspiration to thousands of people along the way.