Pandemic slows bank shooting survivor’s crusade

While WhitneyAustin CINCINNATI — hasmadeimpressive gains in her recovery from12 close-rangegunshots, progress in the former bank executive’s new life’s mission has been slowed by the pandemic.

Frustrated over increases in gun violence in recent monthsandlackofmovement ongunownershipreformlegislation, she remains active and dedicated to helping achievechange. HerWhitney/ Strong Foundation will stage a second annual benefit gala this month, although virtually this time, with a combination of shooting survivors and artists.

Austin, meanwhile, cancelebrate the apparent end of her surgeries a few months ago and having a right arm that is finally metal-free, and as a result, ache-free.

And that she survived the Sept. 6,2018, FifthThirdBank shooting that claimed three other lives and wounded another person.

“I still see allmy scars; it’s impossible to forget that it happened tome,” said Austin, who still lacks fullmovement in her right arm and retains some numbness in her left thumb and elsewhere. “But most ofwhat it impacts onmy body, it’s totally things I can live with.”

She has made public recorded interviews with the Cincinnati Police officerswho rescued her, killing the gunman in a hail of gunfire and getting her to medical aid quickly, this month. Now 39, she called for first responders to save her for her children, now 7 and 9.

She still avoids viewing news footage of gun violence, and the sound of fireworks canupsether. Aftercomingso near death, the deadly coronavirus can be unsettling.