HORRIFIC INJURIES SUSTAINED BY HERO BOY, 18, WHO WAS SHOT IN THE HEAD AND CHEST BY SCHOOL SHOOTER

An 18-year-old school shooting survivor has been discharged from a hospital in Colorado after recovering from being shot in the head and chest. 

Mathew Silverstone was released from St Anthony Hospital in Lakewood on October 13 as about 140 first responders applauded his exit while holding blue balloons, Silverstone's favorite color.

Silverstone, a 12th grader at Evergreen High School in Jefferson County, confronted the shooter, Desmond Holly, on September 10 and warned other students to get away.

Holly threw Silverstone to the ground and fired two rounds with a revolver into Silverstone, according to a witness who spoke with the Denver Post.

The heroic boy's heart stopped twice: first at the scene and then again while in the ambulance.

After being admitted to the hospital he would stay there for over a month.

Silverstone's family said in the Sheriff's press release: 'After emergency surgeries, the doctors prepared us for the worst.'

'But Matthew has never given up. He can now speak. In fact, he is happy to tell you, "I’m still alive!"'

'He can walk with assistance. His friends will tell you his sense of humor is back. He has exceeded everyone’s expectations in his recovery.'

The family thanked the local community for the kindness and support in such a difficult time: '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.'

Paige Silverstone, Matthew's Mother, added: 'Your generosity has reminded us that we are not alone.'

'Each act of kindness, each word of encouragement, each prayer, has lifted Matthew and all of us more than I can ever express.'

A GoFundMe was launched in effort to support the cost of medical expenses, home accessibility challenges, specialized equipment and accessible transportation.

The fundraiser has so far raised more than $500,000.  

The other victim was a 14-year-old who was also shot from close range and underwent multiple surgeries.

The sheriff's office released a statement on behalf of the child's family: 'Our son was shot at close range. Yet, he was able to run from the school to save his own life.'

'As he and his friend ran through the school to escape, they alerted classmates about a student with a gun. Our son reached the recreation center behind the school and received immediate, critical first aid from an EMT/firefighter who was working there.'

The boys asked after his surgery if his family, friends, classmates, teachers, and the other victim were OK.

The unidentified child was released from Children's Hospital Colorado on October 1.

Holly, a student of the school, shot his two fellow pupils before taking his own life.