Woman paralyzed in Bosa Donuts shooting has long road to recovery

Mesa BoSa Donut employee says first words since she was shot and wounded

The shooting, which happened nearly a month ago, left Aaliyah Lozano paralyzed from the neck down, but her mother says they are celebrating each and every improvement, especially since she has started to talk again, with the help of a speaking valve. FOX 10's Irene Snyder reports.

MESA, Ariz. - A woman who was left paralyzed after being shot at a Bosa Donuts in Mesa earlier this month has made some progress in her recovery, but there's still a long journey ahead, according to her mother.

"She goes, ‘Aaliyah's been shot,' and I just got so upset and broken-hearted," said Carlene Polacca, recounting the moment when she learned her 22-year-old daughter, Aaliyah Lozano, was shot.

Lozano was working at the donut shop near Dobson and Rio Salado on April 2 when a man came into the store and opened fire, striking her and another coworker.

Her injuries left her paralyzed from the neck down.

"I was beside myself, and I just couldn't believe what happened to my daughter because she's such a nice, good person," said Polacca.

Aaliyah Lozano (Credit: Carlene Polacca)

Aaliyah is still at St. Joseph's Hospital, but might be changing medical facilities for rehab in the coming weeks. She still can't walk, but Polacca says there was some good news.

On the morning of April 28, Aaliyah spoke for the first time since the shooting, with the help of a speaking valve.

Polacca said it was emotional hearing her daughter's voice. It's been a tough month watching her struggle.

"She said 'I'm tired. I want to go home. I want to walk,'' Polacca recounted.

For Polacca, seething her daughter confined to a bed has been tough.

"I keep a straight face and tough face for her, but when I go home, I cry because it's so sad," said Polacca.

A car wash will be held for Lozano at 1 p.m. on Saturday, April 29 at Westminster Church near 19th Avenue and Camelback in Phoenix.