'It's a joy:' Hedingham shooting survivor Lynn Gardner returns to work

After being shot during the mass shooting in Raleigh's Hedingham neighborhood last October, survivor Lynn Gardner has overcome hurdle after hurdle - with a smile on her face.

Posted 5:55 p.m. Mar 30, 2023 — Updated 5:55 p.m. Mar 30, 2023

RALEIGH, N.C. — After being shot during the mass shooting in Raleigh's Hedingham neighborhood last October, survivor Lynn Gardner has overcome hurdle after hurdle – with a smile on her face.

She spent her birthday in the hospital, underwent surgery and physical therapy. She learned to speak again, learned to walk again and was re-united with her dog. Her loved ones celebrated upon hearing her beautiful voice once again.

Raleigh mass shooting survivor reunited with beloved dog, able to speak and walk again

Now, another happy update from Gardner's friends and family: She has returned to work.

"Lynn is doing amazing," says a loved one. "She has returned to working at the office part-time, and it is a joy to have her back with us."

According to the update, Gardner is seeing a medical team on an outpatient basis, including continued physical therapy and speech therapy.

"Lynn is so sincerely grateful for all of the support, prayers and incredible outpouring of love from this community. During difficult times in her recovery, your support made a big difference and helped to keep her spirits high," says the update. "For me personally, it has been so inspiring to see how many people have come together to support Lynn—including strangers."