‘You never have to give up’: Tewksbury teen shot while on a family trip returns home

BOSTON — A homecoming that was months in the making became a reality on Wednesday for a Tewksbury teenager who was shot in May while on a family trip to Canada.

14-year-old Sandrick Jorcelin left Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital Boston, surrounded by his supportive family, patients he has bonded with, and caregivers who have put him on a hopeful path to a full recovery.

“That’s one lesson I want everybody to learn, to never give up,” said Sandrick as he left the hospital.

“I know some people think it’s not true, but I wanted to give up. I wasn’t able to get out of my bed, I wasn’t able to get in a chair,“ said Sandick. “Now, I’m almost walking. I moved my legs.”

“Just know that anything you want to happen - anything you want to do you - you can do it in life. You never have to give up,” said the inspiring teenager.

Sandrick was shot in May, while he and his family were at a 50th birthday party just outside Montreal. As the family left the party, their car was sprayed with bullets. Sandrick’s 28-year-old uncle died in the shooting. Sandrick’s mother was grazed by a bullet, and Sandrick was hit too.

Police said they believe it was a case of mistaken identity.

His father, Ricardo Jorcelin, said Sandrick was left unable to use his legs, and wasn’t even able to eat after the shooting, but believes his son will eventually walk again.

“We want to thank everyone for their support, prayers, the GoFundMe, for helping us out,” said Mr. Jorcelin.

Sandrick’s departure was also celebrated by another patient at the hospital who has become a good friend with the teen over the last few months.

“You have been an inspiration to me and so many others, said Brian McNally, who is also in a wheelchair and unable to walk. “You are amazing. I know you are going to beat this. I know you are going to walk. We’re both going to do this together. I am so happy to have a friend for life.”

“All is hope. Keep the faith,” said McNally who said the two plan to attend a Celtics game togher in the future.

Sandrick was given a police escort back to Tewksbury.

He was joined by his two dogs, “Hope” and “Dream.”

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