Fayettevillle teen recovering from brain surgery 'flying high' after prom
FAYETTEVILLE (WTVD) -- There are stories that truly touch our hearts, and 18-year-old Victor Murray has touched a lot of hearts.
Saturday, he had the time of his life with the girl of his dreams on his arm at Cape Fear High School's senior prom.
"I had the best date. That's for sure," Victor signed and his adoptive dad interpreted.
Victor didn't let being in a wheelchair keep him off the dance floor. The young man was among true friends.
"He got surrounded immediately by a lot of good friends. They had a great time," said Jay Hottel, Victor's adoptive dad.
The young beautiful lady at Victor's side was Rachel Brittan, also a senior at Cape Fear High School in Fayetteville. Monday evening, she told me it was an honor to be escorted to the dance by Victor, and to dance the night away with him.
Victor said she was the prettiest and sweetest girl in school. They have known each other since the 6th grade.
If you don't know Victor's story, you soon will. It is spreading like wildfire across social media.
A former wrestler at Cape Fear High, Victor had medical complications after brain stem surgery that left him unable to talk and see, and pretty much confined him to a wheelchair and bed.
But instead of wallowing in despair and depression, Victor was determined to live and fight back. He said there was no way he was going to miss his senior prom. He sent a "prom-posal" invitation to Rachel asking if he could escort her to the dance. She said yes.
Victor's identical twin brother Martin said Victor was the hit of the party.
"It was hard not to cry just to see the culmination of all the things that have happened, and all that he has endured, for him to still end up at his senior prom, you know, looking like a million bucks, with all of our friends, enjoying everything. That was just the coolest thing to me," said Martin Murray.
Victor's family and friends says they've been overwhelmed by the outpouring of encouragement and prayers on social media and in the community. And say they are humbled by Victor's courage and determination not to give up.
"Not a day goes by that we don't pray for what God has in store for Victor," said Jay Hottel. "A complete healing. We are counting on it, and he (Victor) is doing his part that's for sure."
Martin Murray - who is the oldest of the two by four minutes - says his brother is a hero who still has a wicked sense of humor, and a sweet spirit of joy from God.
Victor and his brother graduate from high school next month - despite a year of numerous doctor's appointments, rehab, and setbacks. Victor will graduate with a 4.6 grade point average, and he says he is determined to get across the stage and get his diploma. I believe he'll do it.
