Hello. My name is Courtney Rickman and as some of you already know on May 3rd I was shot in both hands while trying to de-escalate a fight at my job at Mcabes in Deland. The incident wasn't just physically damaging but incredibly traumatic as well, even though I know how incredibly blessed I am to have survived. The aftermath of this interaction changed my life forever. Immediately following the incident I was rushed from the Deland ER to Lake Monroe Hospital where I had two surgeries to repair the destruction caused by the gunshots. My right hand had extensive nerve and ligament damage that needed reconstruction as well as 6 pins placed during surgery to help repair the shattered metacarpals. My left hand needed 3 pins and skin graphs but thankfully was mostly just external damage. Right now the plan is for me to wait another 3-4 weeks to have ,what is hopefully, my last surgery. Once I have my pins removed I can start the long road to recovery through an estimated 6-12 months of occupational therapy. As of right now, I have about 5% function in my right hand, which unfortunately is also my dominant hand. I'm having an incredibly hard time with simple day to day task that we all take for granted. Im having to relearn how to do everything one-handed AND with my non dominant hand and its a struggle. While the doctors have been optimistic they have also made me very aware that these injuries are life altering and there are no guarantees that my hand will retain any degree of function.

With all this being said the bills are adding up and I have many different types of appointments still needed. During this time I am unable to return to work to maintain my normal financial responsibilities and just because my paycheck stopped doesn't mean life has... I have two kids and as any parent knows it can be hard enough without an extra strain of this type of financial emergency. I was denied workers compensation and have had to pay for everything thus far out of pocket and using my limited medical insurance where I can. I am obviously in dire need of any help I can get from my friends, family and the community. I have been out of work since the incident occurred on May 3rd and don't have a return date for the foreseeable future. I'm asking for help with medical appointments, bills, household expenses etc. Any help would be very much appreciated in this time of need. Thank you from the bottom of this mommas heart.

https://www.clickorlando.com/news/local/2025/05/07/happened-so-fast-bartender-injured-in-deadly-deland-shooting-reflects-on-incident/