Inside the ballrooms of Boothwyn in Delaware County it was a festive event for a young man fighting to get stronger everyday comes with mixed emotions.
Philadelphia Police say 29 year old Kevin Neary was shot and paralyzed by 20 year old Christopher Easter during an attempted hold up in Northern Liberties in November.
Easter is behind bars, but Kevin is now a quadriplegic who needs a ventilator to help him breathe inside McGee Rehabilitation in Center City.
"He still has his ups and down, but the way he's getting through it is by being himself, and his personality is still as strong as ever," says Kevin's brother, Chris Neary.
More than 300 family, friends and people who barely know the Upper Chichester native, packed the ballroom Saturday night to raise money for his recovery.
"It's been two and a half, three months and they're still involved and they're still invested, that's how we know we're going to get through it," said Joe Neary, Jr.
Several companies donated items for the fundraiser which will also help Kevin's father make additions and renovations to his house for Kevin's homecoming.
"It will be completely handicap accessible," said Joe Neary, Sr. "We also have to get a van to transport him."
Kevin's father, Upper Chichester Township Commissioner, Joe Neary, says the plan is to have his son home by the end of the month.
"He's my son and he's a brother and he'll be one of those guys who will make the most of this, and I wouldn't want him anywhere else," said Neary.
Supporters say they are constantly checking kevinneary.com">Kevinneary.com to get updates on his progress.
"When I myself am having a bad day, I'll read about something that Kevin is going through, and then all of a sudden I'm not having such a bad day," said Orla Mackey.
"Incredible young man, the whole family, really great wonderful people," said Mary Jane Dwyer.
Anything to support the young man who has been through quite a bit and still has quite a journey ahead.
Link:kevinneary.com
