Indianapolis mother to speak at Democratic National Convention
INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — It has been more than six years since DeAndra Dycus’s son “Dre” was shot in the back of his head at a birthday party. He was only 13 at the time.
“My son was on life support and I said, ”Dre’ if you just live, mommy will be your voice. If you can fight through this, I will fight with you,’” Dycus said.
She said her son’s care became too extensive for the family to handle alone and she had to make the tough decision to place him in a rehabilitation center.
“‘Dre’ can’t walk, he can’t talk, he can’t bathe himself, he can’t tell us when something’s wrong,” she said.
Dycus’s mission to keep her son’s story alive has not slowed down through the years. She has become a voice and advocate for other families impacted by gun violence.
Later this month, she will speak in front of millions at the Democratic National Convention. She said she will speak on behalf of mothers everywhere and hopes her voice will result in changes to legislation and leadership.
“We’re tired of people being added to this club. I love supporting people in the aftermath of gun violence but do I want to keep having mothers and women added to this? Absolutely not, the pain is too great,” Dycus said.