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Nova Scotia

Ashley MacLean ready for prom after home-invasion shooting

Ashley MacLean, 19, survived a shooting during a home invasion in November. She was left a quadriplegic.

Friends and family work to make special night even more special

Ashley MacLean sits as Pierre Larade applies her makeup. (CBC)

It's prom night for Cole Harbour High students and it will be avery special time for one of those graduates.

Ashley MacLean,19, survived a shooting during a home invasion in November. The Nova Scotia woman was left a quadriplegic.

"I pretty much had my life ripped away from me," she said on Wednesday.

But, that violent night left her with the determination to fight. She's defied doctors' predictions and has regained partial use of her arms.

She's also pressed ahead with her school work. With the help of a tutor she's finished her studies while in hospital and is graduating from high school.

Tonight at her prom, MacLean will wear an off-white gown with sequins given to her by a family friend. A makeup artist, Pierre Larade, donated his time and applied her makeup.

MacLean said she is consumed with anger and hatred since the shooting (Submitted by Wendy Kearse)

"I had a connection with the family and I felt bad when this situation did happen and I wanted to help out on a special day, because I know how prom is special for everyone," Larade said.

"It's kind of like a big part of your life where you're going from a teenager to an adult. So I just wanted to kind of help Ashley feel like she's going to be the most pretty girl there tonight. And make sure that she has a special night tonight as well."

Her mother, Wendy Kearse, is styling her hair in a partial updo. "It's awesome. I'm very grateful to Pierre, for everybody that helped out. It's emotional too," she said. "She's worked very hard."

Ashley MacLean also plans to stand tall among her friends. She has a $37,000 wheelchair, a donation from a woman on Miramichi, N.B., that will help her stand for short periods.

"I'd like to stand with all my friends instead of sitting down while everyone is standing upand kind of feel normal again,"she said.

"She can't do what she wants to doget up and dance with her friends, [which is]how it should've been," her mother added. "A lot [has been] taken away. It's exciting, but it's hard. It's been hard for her too. I'm just really proud of her that she's going anyway because it has been so hard."

The major changes in her life continue. After seven months in the hospital and at the Nova Scotia Rehabilitation Centre, she's getting ready to leave next week. She and her family are moving to Windsor to be close to a rehabilitation facility.

Four people were arrested over the attack and are awaiting their day in court.

MacLean shows off the chair that will help her stand at prom. (CBC)