Family reeling as victim of Sudbury stabbing left paralyzed

A GoFundMe has been set up to help support Josee Rouleau, the victim of a stabbing that happened in Chelmsford in Greater Sudbury on Nov. 22.

It’s being organized by her family, who said the 30-year-old is now paralyzed in both legs as a result of the attack.

A GoFundMe has been set up to help support Josee Rouleau, the victim of a stabbing that happened in Chelmsford in Greater Sudbury on Nov. 22. (Photo from video)

Police confirmed to CTV News that they are upgrading charges in the case to attempted murder from aggravated assault.

Rouleau is in a neurology unit at Health Sciences North after being released from the ICU. Her family said she was stabbed six times.

Her prognosis is paralysis.

"I mean we are still hopeful that you know we can get her some kind of movement on her left side," said her mother, Sue Rouleau.

"But everything we are getting told is that no, none of this is going to happen and she will be in a wheelchair for the rest of her life."

Police responded to the scene of the attack the morning of Nov. 22.

Her family said a neighbour began harassing Josee to gain access to her apartment. When Josee finally opened the door, she was viciously attacked by a woman, stabbed several times and left for dead.

A friend who was visiting that day called 911, saving her life.

A GoFundMe has been set up to help support Josee Rouleau, the victim of a stabbing that happened in Chelmsford in Greater Sudbury on Nov. 22. (Photo from video)

Pictured are Sue Rouleau, left, the victim's mother, and Felicia Fahey, the victim's cousin. (Alana Everson/CTV News)

The family describes the victim as a gentle soul, an animal lover who had three dogs who also loved the outdoors.

"I know that we have an amazing community," said her cousin, Felicia Fahey.

"She has a lot of family and friends close by. She is a lifelong resident of the Chelmsford area so we thought we would set up the GoFundMe in hopes of trying to make some sort of a positive of this horrific tragedy and help her with maintaining some sort of life after."

In addition to her paralysis, her family said she is struggling to accept what happened to her and the fact she will never fully recover.

'It's a struggle'

"It’s a struggle," Fahey said.

"On any typical day she is crying pretty much all day. She still can’t believe that this has happened to her. She is in a lot of pain. We are trying with everything we can to keep her spirits up but it’s a tough battle right now."

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In a statement, Greater Sudbury Police said the accused is still in custody.

"Through the investigation, officers have formed reasonable and probable grounds for the charge of attempted murder," the statement said.

"Officers are submitting a warrant request as the accused is in custody. Officers require a judge’s order for the charge to be changed to attempt murder."

The family said they are grateful for all the support they have received. The money raised by the GoFundMe will support Josee as she faces a long road ahead in rehabilitation and adjusting to a new way of life.