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Indianapolis mother speaks at DNC: 'One shot changed our lives forever'

Posted at 1:30 PM, Aug 20, 2020
and last updated 2020-08-20 13:31:22-04

INDIANAPOLIS — An Indianapolis mother took the stage Wednesday night at the Democratic National Convention.

"My son DeAndre was only 13-years-old. He was recognized as a gifted and talented student. His possibilities were endless," DeAndra Dycus, the founder of "Purpose 4 My Pain," said. "He was dancing at a birthday party when he was shot in the back left side of his head, shattering his skull. One shot changed our lives forever."

Dycus started Purpose 4 My Pain after her son was shot in 2014. the injury left him paralyzed and unable to speak.

She used her time in the national spotlight Wednesday evening to share a message about gun violence, and endorse Joe Biden for President of the United States.

"I want a president who cares about our pain and grief. A president who will take on the gun lobby to ban assault weapons and close the loopholes to keep guns out of the hands of criminals. Joe Biden has taken on the NRA twice and won. And he will do it again as president."

You can watch her full speech on the DNC stage in the video above.

Dycus told WRTV the DNC organizers reached out to her through the organization "Every Town for Fun Safety."

MORE | Local mom to speak about gun violence at Democratic National Convention | Working Together: Help for families impacted by gun violence | Indianapolis mom turns gun violence tragedy into a purpose | East side community begs for peace after siblings' murder |