Eastwood runner finds solace five years after surviving Aug. 3 shooting

EL PASO, Texas ( KTSM ) — Five years ago, on Aug. 3, 2019, 23 people were killed in a senseless, racially motivated attack at the Cielo Vista Walmart. It was on that day that Madi McGuire’s life changed forever.

McGuire, who was 10 years old at the time of the shooting, was fundraising with her teammates for their soccer team outside of the Walmart when gunshots rang out. Two of her coaches were shot that day, one of them, Memo Garcia, died months later.

“I don’t talk about it very much,” said McGuire. “It was very hard to get over.”

In the years that followed the shooting, McGuire has found solace as a runner. She’s a junior on the Eastwood cross country team and treats running as a form of therapy.

“[Running} helps me clear my head,” said McGuire.

One foot in front of the other, McGuire has found a way – often times through running – to prevail over something no child should ever have to go through.

“I don’t want it to define me, but it’s going to help me move forward,” said McGuire.

“It’s not a surprise to me that she was drawn to this sport, said Eastwood head cross country coach Mike McClain. “She’s that kind of person who sets a goal, she keeps it quiet, but she keeps it in her head and she doesn’t care who you are, you’re not going to stop her from achieving that goal.”

After everything McGuire has been through, good days and bad days, she has remarkably been able to keep the meaning of life in perspective.

“Live your life to the fullest and cherish the people closest to you.”

If you or a loved one feel the need to reach out to someone to talk to on this day of remembrance, you can call the Emergence Crisis Hotline at 915-779-1800.

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