8-year-old boy celebrates 1 year since nearly losing his life in West Pullman shooting

CHICAGO (WLS) -- One family threw a surprise party on Tuesday to celebrate one year of having their young boy still with them.

Zayden Garrett, 8, nearly lost his life after getting shot twice during a shooting last year.

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Zayden's family brought out the ninja turtles, pizza, and his favorite snack on Tuesday, turning what was once one of the worst days of his life into the best one.

It is not Zayden's birthday, but with Doritos in hand, it is a celebration for another year of life.

"Today, on this day, I'm so glad that he's here and he's here to tell the story," said Rosie Liggins, Zayden's grandmother.

Exactly one year ago, then-7-year-old Zayden was inside their West Pullman home, waiting for pizza, when bullets came through the window.

Bullets hit Zayden twice, once in the back and another grazing his face. His aunt, 10-year-old Mia, was home at the time.

"Just pray every night that the person was shot just gets good," Mia said.

Their prayers have been answered. Zayden went from a hospital bed to coming home just seven days later. And now, one year later, they celebrated with Zayden's favorite Ninja Turtle characters, balloons, chips, and pizza as he keeps his eyes set on becoming a police officer one day.

"The good thing about this crime is that they didn't take this one away, and that's what's important to us and me and my family," Liggins said.

Chicago police say no one has been arrested for the shooting, but the case is still under investigation.

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