Supporting Alex McGregor on His Journey to Independence

On September 27, 2025, our beloved son, grandson, nephew, and friend, Alex McGregor, was shot in Chico, California, in a senseless act of violence that forever changed his life.

The bullet entered his side and caused catastrophic injuries to his liver, hepatic artery, diaphragm, lung, ribs, and spine. His spinal cord was severed at the T12 level, leaving him paralyzed from the waist down.

By the grace of God and extraordinary timing, a vascular surgeon who happened to be at Enloe Medical Center was able to repair Alex’s hepatic artery and save his life. Alex received four pints of blood and underwent extensive emergency care. While his life was spared, his injury is complete, and he has no feeling or movement in his legs.

After spending a month in the hospital, Alex was discharged and now lives with his mother, Kati McGregor, and his maternal grandmother, Joanne Schaefer, in Paradise, California. They are all Camp Fire survivors who rebuilt their home from the ashes of that tragedy—something that speaks to the resilience and strength that now surrounds Alex as he faces this new chapter.

Alex is just 21 years old. He has a long road ahead as he learns how to live independently in a wheelchair. He is fully committed to his recovery and has approached physical therapy with determination, courage, and grit. His goal is simple but powerful: to live an independent, meaningful life.

We are raising funds to support three critical needs that will help Alex regain independence and quality of life:

• Continued physical and mental therapy

Insurance only covered the first three weeks of physical therapy, yet ongoing therapy is essential to Alex’s long-term independence, mental health, and ability to return to the activities he loves, such as basketball, hiking, and cycling.

• A service dog

A service dog will help Alex adjust to life in a wheelchair by assisting with daily tasks, providing stability and safety, and offering emotional support. Funds raised will help support training, veterinary care, licensing, and the ongoing needs of a working service animal.

• A hand-controlled vehicle

Adaptive vehicles for disabled drivers average $65,000, but the ability to drive represents freedom, confidence, and independence—especially for a 21-year-old rebuilding his life.

Any amount you are able to give will go directly toward Alex’s recovery, adaptive equipment, and the everyday costs of building a new life. If you are unable to donate, please consider sharing this fundraiser.

Thank you for supporting Alex and our family during this incredibly challenging time.

With gratitude,

The family of Alex McGregor