Public, hospital step up to help Fayetteville security guard recover from shooting

Charles Jackson Jr. told WRAL News last week that he is struggling to meet his insurance co-payments for his physical therapy appointments. Since then, so many people have offered to help that Cape Fear Valley Medical Center has set up a system for people to donate money for the co-pays.

The 50-year-old retired Marine has undergone multiple surgeries since the shooting, and his wounds left him largely paralyzed on his right side and suffering from seizures.

For the past three months, he's been in physical therapy to re-learn how to do many things in daily life. But the co-pay for each of the dozens of sessions is $46 – money he just doesn't have.

"It's a little difficult because, you know, I have my regular bills and my family and kids. It just kind of put a strain on things," he said. "But I know I have to have therapy, so I have to do what I have to do."

'I had to learn how to walk': Fayetteville security guard recovering after being shot in the head

Glenda Stump knows what Jackson is going through. Her husband, who's also a veteran, was robbed and shot in the back of the head last year in Columbus County. He survived the shooting, but their grandson was killed.

Stump said she wants to help Jackson because she knows the importance of physical therapy for someone who's undergone a traumatic brain injury. She said the Department of Veterans Affairs may be able to help, too.

"They'll tell you what you need to do, and then you do what you need to do. It's just navigating the paperwork and the phone calls," she said.

Cape Fear Valley Medical Center officials said anyone who wants to help Jackson can drop by the hospital cashier’s office inside the main lobby, at 1638 Owen Drive, or call 910-615-6126 to pay for his co-pays in advance.

"Thank you for helping me. It means a lot," Jackson said. "It restores humanity in people in knowing that people really do care."