EVERGREEN, Colo. (KKTV) - Just over a month after the Evergreen High School shooting, the family of one of the survivors is sharing an update.
On September 10, two students were shot and hospitalized, and one of those was 18-year-old Matthew Silverstone.
The Jefferson County Sheriff's Office (JCSO) said Silverstone was released from CommonSpirit St. Anthony Hospital on Tuesday.
Around 140 first responders and hospital staff were waiting outside of the hospital's emergency entrance, holding blue balloons -- his favorite color, according to JCSO -- to celebrate his release.
Silverstone's family said he has exited intensive care and is now beginning rehabilitation.
"The fact that we are able to share that with you, just five weeks after the attack, is nothing short of miraculous," Silverstone's family said.
They said Silverstone was shot once in the head and once in the chest, and his heart stopped twice: at the scene and again in the ambulance on the way to the hospital.
While the family said doctors prepared them for the worst, Silverstone refused to give up. They said he can now speak and walk with assistance. "In fact, he is happy to tell you, 'I'm still alive!'", the family said.
"Your generosity has reminded us that we are not alone," Silverstone's mother Paige Silverstone said. "Each act of kindness, each word of encouragement, each prayer, has lifted Matthew and all of us more than I can ever express. You have helped carry us through our darkest moments. From the bottom of my heart, thank you for standing with us, for believing in miracles, and helping us hold on to hope."
The family expressed their gratitude to several people and organizations, including the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office, CommonSpirit Saint Anthony Hospital, the second victim and their family and the students of Evergreen High School.
"We cannot begin to express our gratitude to the entire community for the love and support shown to Matthew and our family since September 10th," Silverstone's family said. "Your response has been overwhelming. Make no mistake, the events that occurred that day were evil and tragic. But in the days and weeks that have followed, through every card and letter, every donation, every meal, gift, and prayer, we've seen the true heart of Evergreen and the kindness that defines Colorado."