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Victims of gun violence form support group
Brothers' Keepers helps men with spinal cord injuries


By Jan Pollack
Tuesday, March 11, 2008 1:40 PM CDT


Mars Maynard photo - Terrance Clark (right) and Brandon Morris have formed a support group, Brothers' Keepers, for men who have severe spinal cord injuries resulting from gunshot violence. They also want to reach out to at-risk young people to demonstrate the consequences of guns.
Their lives were changed in an instant by the bullets that pierced their spines.

In separate instances, Brandon Morris, 32, and Terrace Clark, 36, were shot while sitting in cars. Since then, the two have formed a close friendship.

Now they are fighting back by forming Brothers' Keepers, a monthly support group for men who, like themselves, have spinal cord injuries caused by bullets."We want to (find) guys who are freshly injured and let them know there is more to life than staying home," Morris said. "The majority of the guys out there don't have someone to relate to."

Clark said, "I may have a disability, but the disability doesn't have me," He described the goal of Brothers' Keepers as twofold.

"We want to reach out and grasp the attention of guys fresh into this new lifestyle, in addition to the men who are older in the lifestyle," he said.

The other goal, he said, is to "reach youth in schools and other organizations to talk to them about how they are living before they get shot or shoot someone. We want them to change their lifestyles and see the consequences of their actions."

The men, both from Florissant, believe their wheelchairs are tools they can use to send a dramatic message to middle and high school youth.

"We'll come across differently than people standing up," Clark said. "You see a group of guys that look like you, it might help them alter their lifestyle."

Morris is paralyzed from the shoulders down. He relies on a ventilator to breathe as well as on a motorized wheelchair. He was shot at age 20 during a verbal altercation.

"One thing led to another," he said, noting that back then, his "lifestyle wasn't exactly righteous."

Clark is a paraplegic who has limited use of his hands. He was hit by a stray bullet when he was 18 at a North Side gas station.

"When I first got hurt I was ashamed. I didn't want to be seen as a gang member," Clark said.

He said he isolated himself, fell into a deep depression and had thoughts of suicide. It took him three years to regain his equilibrium.

Morris said he first believed he would recover completely when he learned that they were sending him to vocational rehabilitation.

"I thought with hard work I could overcome it," he said.

Having the support of his extended family helped, as did his mind-set. He wanted to move forward.

"We're all brothers because of spinal cord injuries," Morris said. "We're living it. We know firsthand and we can help each other."
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Kee wrote on Mar 18, 2008 10:17 PM:

" I like what you're doing keep up that positive work. I think the say'n I have a disability, but the disability dosen't have me, should be the slogan that's what's up. "

Pamela Conley Moore wrote on Mar 17, 2008 8:44 PM:

" Brandon, Your courage and dignity is such an inspiration to everyone. The support group and speaking to our youth is a wonderful idea. Thank you for reaching out to others! "

Mrs.Morris wrote on Mar 17, 2008 11:49 AM:

" When i read what our Grand-son
Brandon & his friend Terrace it made us very happy to know they are trying to reach out to the young people and let them know what the fast life can bring with it.and I trust in Jesus Christ that this will turn a lots of young people ,to stop long enough to take a good look at them self, to see where they are headed.Hopeful this will make our young men want to complete
High school & go to collage & get a good job. what is missing in so many of our young people life today. nobody is telling them about how sweet life is if you make Jesus Christ the head of your life. "

Mary wrote on Mar 17, 2008 9:39 AM:

" Terrence this great, you have a calling on your life and always knew how to reach out to people. Keep up the good work I'm proud of you. "

SHARON MORRIS wrote on Mar 17, 2008 8:06 AM:

" Terrance and Brandon I am so very thankful that God has given you both this vision to began this wonderful outreach (BROTHER KEEPERS). You both have endured perseverance in your lives, now look what GOD has in store for you!!!! Keep up the the work God has command you to do and remember that we are nothing, and can do nothing without God, because he is in controll. Matthew 6:33 states But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you....Love you both Sharon Morris "

Ms Butler wrote on Mar 16, 2008 8:09 AM:

" Brandon, I hope you know that you are like a son to us. I remember the first time you asked me to sit with you, and just how scared I was. Then I realized what a wonderful young man you really were. And that althought you may have physical limtiations you are a funny, outgoing young man that thinks and feels just like any other 32 year old young man does. Here's to you! Much love, and respect in who you are and what you represent. "

Brandon wrote on Mar 15, 2008 3:42 PM:

" contact us at:BROTHERS KEEPER08@yahoo.com "

Brandon wrote on Mar 15, 2008 3:21 PM:

" Greeting's to all, we first wanted to thank everyone for their encouraging and inspiring words supporting the article written about "Brothers' Keeper" support group. We greatly thank you all!! Secondly, we are enthused to inform all that our first meeting was a hit. Twelve brothers total attened, which injuries occured as recent as six months ago to over thrity years back. Please continue spreading the word so more and more individuals can join the cause... Thanks again-Brothers' Keeper. "

Lanette Benson wrote on Mar 14, 2008 9:46 PM:

" We desparately need groups like Morris's to help spinal cord injury victimes in giving them support more now then ever. God bless you, Morris and Clark. "

Fashion wrote on Mar 14, 2008 8:32 AM:

" This is truly a wonderful idea and goal you all have in place. You have to choose what you want to stand up for and this is defiantly one that can make a difference in our younger generation outlook. It’s hard for young men & women to understand that crime & violence can really affect your life in the simplest ways. You sometimes take for granted the simplest thing…....walking, taking a shower, eating dinner. Being face to face it's like a wake up call. You can still be in a wheelchair, living life to the fullest and being the strong positive men that we need in our community. Life doesn’t end there. Be proud of who you no matter what, if a person knows that you are striving to be the best they will give you that extra push. Continue with the good work guys. I pray that you all are getting a lot of support and the resources you need. Thanks North County Journal for a wonderful article.

"

KEESH wrote on Mar 14, 2008 8:10 AM:

" BRANDON, I AM SO PROUD OF YOU THIS IS ONE OF THE BEST THINGS YOU CAN DO AND I'LL SUPPORT YOU TO THE END. I KNEW YOU WERE A SOLDIER. "

Misty Melson wrote on Mar 13, 2008 11:26 AM:

" What a GREAT article!! I admire you both for reaching out to others, for sharing your story,helping others find their way,and the lives that you will save by doing so. I'm thankful for you! GOD BLESS!!! "

Renee Thomas Woods wrote on Mar 13, 2008 10:27 AM:

" Thank you for doing a story of hope and possibilities. Brandon and Terry are courageous for sharing their experiences in an effort to help others. "

Crystal Campbell wrote on Mar 13, 2008 10:01 AM:

" Great Idea!! I think this is a great oppurtunity for the youth and the bonding relationships that will form with this support group. I will continue to pray for you both. Thank you for bringing the awareness of gun violence to our youth and our communities. God Bless! "

t. clark wrote on Mar 13, 2008 8:22 AM:

" if you would like to reach us via email heres the address brotherskeeper08@yahoo.com "

Kim Beasley wrote on Mar 12, 2008 7:02 PM:

" Outstanding article. I would love to see such an outreach program in other cities and communities. These men are living examples of living life to the fullest and not allowing their misfortune to keep them from living their lives to the fullest. "

Holly wrote on Mar 12, 2008 6:47 PM:

" Way to go!! I think that your stories will be very inspirational for our young people of today. I really admire you guys. Good luck with the support group.I hope that it will open these young peoples eyes "

Patricia Hudson Young wrote on Mar 12, 2008 3:10 PM:

" This article was very inspiring. I would like to think that the goal of Brothers' Keepers is enough motivation for anyone who has suffered a spinal cord injury. Brandon and Clark, I commend you both for your concern and support for those who are newly injured & those who may not have the family support as you do. I also think that that sharing your life story with the youth of today will in some way steer most, if not all, towards a positive mindset & that they will learn that violence affects more than just the victim but entire communities.I pray that God will bless your group to grow & sow good seeds into the lives of young men who are ultimately our future. Thank you for your courage and your faith. May God Bless, Pat "

Steph wrote on Mar 12, 2008 3:07 PM:

" I thoroughly enjoyed this article. It says something about the men who are starting this group. That they are not going to let a disability stop them from living on and encouraging others to do the same. And the fact that they want to persuade children to live their lives without violence is an added benefit. "

Kim Singer wrote on Mar 12, 2008 3:04 PM:

" I am very proud of these two young men and I think it is very admirable of them to share their experiences with others. "

Connie wrote on Mar 12, 2008 2:33 PM:

" I think this is a great idea. Good for both of you. Keep working hard and it will come back in two folds. "

Angelique wrote on Mar 12, 2008 1:59 PM:

" This is a cougrageous example of turn tragedy into triumph! Truly, this is God... What an ecouraging ministry!

I entend to forward this article to everyone in my e-mail circle. "

Becky G. wrote on Mar 12, 2008 1:46 PM:

" I think this is a very good thing that these 2 young men are doing. Hope the word gets out there for them. "

Mel wrote on Mar 12, 2008 1:19 PM:

" It takes a brave, strong man to lift his spirits and keep living. I congratulation these two men for organizing such a group. There are many people out there in the same situation that need someone to talk too. It's a great ideal that you all are reaching out. It's an excellent idea to try and reach the hearts of some of these young and older kids. Satan is behind them and they have no idea. Seeing is believing, so I think this is a good idea. "

yolanda hughes wrote on Mar 12, 2008 1:09 PM:

" I think it is a wonderful group. I pray for both of the young men that god opening every door they desire to be open and pray they are a true blessing to other people like them self. my heart go out to both young men. May god bless both of your'll. WE must stop the violence its of the devil. I speak victory in each of your lives. Tell the devil his voices is not recognize "

Jerri Winters wrote on Mar 12, 2008 1:03 PM:

" To God be the Glory! This is so inspirational and motivating. Continue to allow god to use you to change the lives of others. This is great! "

Rick Scholl wrote on Mar 12, 2008 12:42 PM:

" I commend both of you gentle on your bravery, and the courage to push on with your lives no what the circumstances. Your ideas to get involve with the younger generation today would be a great contribution to society. Good luck and god bless the both of you. "

Cherise Bass wrote on Mar 12, 2008 12:31 PM:

" I think this is a wonderful idea. I can't put into words the needed awareness of issues like this that will help our young people. C. Bass "

Keisha Richie wrote on Mar 12, 2008 12:27 PM:

" THIS IS AWESOME...I send my thanks out to Sharon Morris for sharing this article with me and thanks to Brandon and Terrance for raising awareness and helping others w/spinal cord injuries see that life DOES go on!! You guys are truly an inspiration. "

Tamara wrote on Mar 12, 2008 12:27 PM:

" I love what you all are doing and my prayers are with you both. It's a wonderful thing you are doing. Keep your head up and always Keep the Faith!!! "

Marty wrote on Mar 12, 2008 12:27 PM:

" I thought that the article was straight forward and truthful with the awareness that this type of things go on everyday in North County, South County and all over, the idea about going out in the community and speaking to the young men is awesome I say talk now so that they don't go through the agony that you all have or are experiencing now, go to the local school and boys juvenille homes so that our black men can see first hand it can and it will happen to you if you are in the streets, some times you don't have to be the inteneded target but at the wrong place but the right time, I encourage you two brothers to continue to reach out and let these young men see what they think they know. "

terrence clark wrote on Mar 12, 2008 9:40 AM:

" in addition we will have first meeting this Friday March 14, 2008 at Paraquad 5240 Oakland St. Louis, Mo 63110 from 2pm-3pm. if you have any question fill free to contact me at 314-435-3002 "