AUSTIN — AUSTIN -- Esperanza "Hope" Herrera, the third explosion victim during the Austin bombings, continues her road to recovery through surgeries and specialized rehabilitation therapy, according to a family statement.
Over two months ago, Herrara was severely injured after she picked up a package outside her home and it exploded.
Herrera's family updated her Gofundme page Wednesday and said they estimate that the 75-year-old has undergone 12 to 14 surgeries. Herrera is currently wheelchair bound as she continues therapy and treatments to sustain her life, according to her family.
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The family added although Herrera's recovery will be a long and hard process, she feels "blessed just to be alive."
The family also shared that they recently united with the family of Draylen Mason, the 17-year-old bombing victim. "They are such wonderful people that we feel forever bonded to by this tragedy," the family said.
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The Herrera family ended their statement with words of hope:
"Although this tragedy was sparked by hatred and intolerance, we will not let it overtake us. We will unite as a community, as Austinites, as friends to show that love and compassion are stronger than hate in this great state of Texas."
