Gabrielle Dee Giffords is an American retired politician and gun control advocate who served as a member of the United States House of Representatives. Giffords has been fighting every day since January 8, 2011, when a gunman opened fire at her “Congress on Your Corner” event in Tucson, Arizona. Nineteen people were shot; six died. Gabby Giffords was shot in the head.

Spending some time with Gabby Giffords, you’ll likely be treated to a tune or two: “Almost heaven, West Virginia. Blue Ridge Mountains, Shenandoah River,” she sang.

But in her speech therapy sessions, finding her words can still be a challenge: “But the crew, the whole crew was fantastic.” It’s due to a brain disorder known as aphasia. “Aphasia really sucks,” Giffords said. “The words are there in my brain. I just can’t get them out.” Still, she never lost her voice or her undying optimism. At a 2019 event promoting a bill that requires background checks and private gun sales, Giffords said, “My spirit is as strong as ever. I’m still fighting to make the world a better place, and you can too! ”

Correspondent Ben Tracy asked, “In terms of your recovery, how do you feel about where you’re at?” “I’m optimistic,” she replied. “It will be a long, hard haul. But I’m optimistic.” That spirit is what made the former House Democrat a rising political star … and it now powers her push to end gun violence.

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