Bronx teacher remains positive after surviving shooting that left her with a bullet in her lung.

A Bronx kindergarten teacher, Jaylen Murray, is facing an uncertain future following her survival of a tragic mass shooting that occurred on August 23 at Haffen Park in Baychester. The incident, which stemmed from a community basketball tournament aimed at providing free back-to-school supplies for children, left one person dead and several others injured, underscoring an alarming trend of gun violence in the area.

Murray, 29, remains hospitalized after sustaining multiple injuries, including a bullet lodged in her lower lung. Medical professionals have advised her to approach her recovery with a day-by-day mindset, as removing the bullet poses significant risks, including the possibility of internal bleeding that could be fatal.

“It’s a challenging situation,” Murray stated from her hospital bed. “They have been draining blood from my lungs, and right now, I’m focusing on my recovery.” Despite her distressing circumstances, she has maintained a resilient spirit, expressing gratitude for her survival and the support she has received.

The shooting erupted around 7:30 PM, as at least four assailants fired approximately 50 rounds into the gathered crowd from a distance of about 25 feet. In the aftermath of the chaos, a 32-year-old man, Jaceil Blanks, was pronounced dead at Jacobi Medical Center, while a 17-year-old girl sustained life-threatening injuries from a gunshot wound to her face. Two additional men, ages 30 and 42, sustained non-fatal injuries.

In the wake of the shooting, five individuals, including two teenagers, were apprehended and face charges of murder, attempted murder, and gun possession. Law enforcement recovered five firearms at the scene, intensifying investigations into the motives behind the violence, which is suspected to be gang-related.

Murray, who also supports children with autism, had attended the event with the intention of uplifting youth through education. Describing the moment the shooting began, she recalled initially mistaking the sound of gunfire for fireworks. “I felt a hot sting and realized I had been shot,” she remarked. With the help of a friend, she was able to reach the hospital for treatment.

As she continues her recovery, a GoFundMe campaign established to assist with her medical expenses has raised nearly ,000, highlighting community support for a teacher who has dedicated her career to shaping young lives. Murray’s family expressed concern over the potential lifelong ramifications of her injury, as medical professionals weigh the risks associated with surgical intervention.

Reflecting on the grim reality of ongoing gun violence in the Bronx, Murray emphasized the profound impact such events have on communities. “It’s senseless; too many lives are being taken due to gun violence,” she stated. With school reopening soon, she remains hopeful about returning to her profession and providing stability for her students.

Amidst the trauma, she finds strength in gratitude. “It’s truly a blessing to still be here,” she concluded. Murray’s story serves as a poignant reminder of the resilience needed to confront the epidemic of gun violence, illustrating how individuals can emerge from tragedy with renewed purpose and determination.