The family of a 14-year old boy who was seriously injured during the school shooting at Abundant Life Christian School in Wisconsin, credits his survival to skilled doctors and their unwavering faith in God.
On 16th December 2024, 15-year-old Natalie Rupnow opened fire at the school, killing a teacher and a student before taking her own life.
Six students were injured, two critically, including River.
Christina Clardy, a first-year teacher at the school, protected her students before realising her son was missing.
Police later confirmed he had been critically wounded and transported to American Family Children’s Hospital.
In an interview with WMTV River's Mother, Christina Clardy said: "River is a kid who is a perseverer. He’s a hard worker," said his mother, Christina Clardy.
"We believe that God is a huge part of his healing through natural means like through the body healing itself and through some things that you know aren’t explainable to us. But he is, he’s done better than he should have."
Dr. Adam Brinkman, medical director of pediatric trauma care, described River’s condition as “one of the most critically ill patients that has come to this children’s hospital in the last five or six years.”
River underwent five surgeries and spent two weeks in intensive care.
As his condition improved, doctors began waking him up.
Brinkman recalled the emotional moment: "I stopped in the doorway, and he turned towards me.
"I said, ‘River!’ And River said, ‘Good morning!’ Hearing his voice and seeing his eyes and realising everything that he had just gone through, and a week later he’s saying good morning to me. There was no better feeling. It was incredible."
After 46 days in the hospital, River was discharged with a hero’s sendoff.
Hospital staff lined the hallway to cheer as he walked out.
"It’s important to give thanks for the good in our lives. And to recognise the good around us, like in the people in our community," Christina added.
"I do have moments where I’m like, I can’t believe he’s alive, you know? I’m just really grateful."