'Guns are not the answer': Shooting victim starts non-profit about gun violence

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — A Charlotte woman, who is still recovering from being shot, is already using her pain to help others.

Sherae Johnson was 18 years old when an argument between friends escalated to shots fired.

"They said if he tried to drive me to the hospital, they said I wouldn't have made it," Johnson said. "To be able to use the cane, that makes me happy because I know I came a long way."

Johnson said she wants to take her experience and share it with others. She has plans of starting a non-profit about gun violence and she is hosting her first event this weekend in south Charlotte.

Johnson said a friend's brother, 18-year-old Jamie Bright, was shot and killed over the summer.

Her story and his is what is motivating her to get out and help others.

"I really want to help teenagers and I want them to know, guns are not the answer," Johnson said. "Guns aren't toys to play with. Once you shot somebody, you can't go back."

Johnson said it will take a while for her to heal.

Physically, she said she will need a knee replacement.

Emotionally, she is heading in the right direction -- she said she is starting college next month

Johnson's new organization is called "Guns VS America."

Johnson and two other woman are holding their first event Saturday at 3 p.m. at the Hampton Inn and Suites off Southern Pine Boulevard in Charlotte.

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