DAYTON — The daughter of the 66-year-old security guard who was brutally attacked and hospitalized last weekend decided to speak out.
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Chiquita Milliner has been by her mother Gloria Courtney’s side for the past week as she is fighting to recover.
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On Oct. 21, 66-year-old Courtney was attacked while working security at the Premier Health building on the 100 block of N. Main Street around 5 p.m.
“[I wish I could] go into a time machine and just go back and stop this from happening, but I can’t,” Milliner said.
The Dayton Fire Department responded to a fire alarm report at the building but quickly found out that was not the case.
“I was talking to my mom, and we are really grateful because if they [Dayton Fire Department] did not come in when they did, I don’t know if my mom would be here,” Milliner said.
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As soon as the firefighters noticed what was going on, they jumped in to help Courtney as she was knocked unconscious, and her eye was gouged out.
As a result of the attack, Courtney lost her full eyesight and sustained a skull fracture.
She has since had one surgery but her doctors believe there could be more to come in the future.
Milliner said Courtney needs help doing everything now.
“Because of what happened to her, she lost her sight…She needs around-the-clock help,” Milliner said.
On top of that, Milliner said her mother will need to speak to a psychologist or therapist as she has been having nightmares about the incident.
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“Right now, we’re just trying to adjust to this, trying to accept this, because we have no other choice but to accept it and be strong for her,” Milliner said.
Before the incident, her children were working to come up with a plan to support their mother so she could retire.
“I wanted her to not have to worry about working and everything just come and just allow her children to take care of her. That was my plan…But I did not expect this,” Milliner said.
Milliner and the rest of her family are trying to stay strong for Courtney.
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“This is our new normal. We’re going to have to be strong for my mom and just take things a day at a time,” Milliner said.
The family has found support through their church, and both Courtney and Milliner repeatedly attest their strength to their faith.
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“My church, Christ Temple Apostolic Faith Church, they have been so supportive. They’ve been out and praying for us just being really helpful, as well as my church, New Beginnings Outreach Ministries, they’ve been praying as well as other churches,” Milliner said.
Courtney had a message for everyone reading that she wanted her daughter to relay.
“We’re going to get through this with the help of the Lord, I really appreciate everyone for their prayers and concerns,” Milliner repeated after her mother.
At this time, Courtney is still in the hospital recovering.