CADILLAC — The family of Missaukee County shooting survivor Bella Everitt says they are feeling hopeful after the 13-year-old makes small steps towards recovery after sustaining four gunshot wounds.
Bella's grandfather, Dave Everitt, The Detroit News on Wednesday that it's "encouraging" to see that Bella can now speak softly, move her legs and wiggle her toes.
"She has been speaking very little," Dave Everitt said in an interview at his home in Cadillac. "Every day is a little bit better, but she's got a long road of physical therapy and, of course, mental (therapy)."
Bella Everitt is the only surviving victim following four murders connected to 39-year-old Chad Hickman. Two of the victims were Bella's mother, Amanda Everitt, 40, and brother, Eric Thomas, 16.
The family has set up a GoFundMe page to help with recovery from the shooting and has received nearly $27,000. Dave Everitt said his family has received tremendous support.
"We have people calling us that I don't even know asking, 'How can they help? How can we help Bella?" Everitt said
Following the attack on Friday, Michigan State Police said that authorities are investigating the motives behind Hickman's shooting rampage that claimed the lives of five people. Hickman took his own life.
Dave Everitt has previously described his granddaughter as a "hero" for calling 911 and identifying the shooter, calling the murders a "cowardly act by a evil person."
Everitt said that his daughter and her children were neighbors with Hickman and didn't have "any idea that Chad was capable of this."
"Love your kids, hug your kids," he said. "Don't miss that time."
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This article originally appeared on The Detroit News: Missaukee County teen recovering from shooting rampage, grandfather says