LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- Ocean Robertson was only five months old when she was shot in the head during a drive-by shooting in west Louisville. Doctors didn’t expect her to survive past a year. However, four years later, she is defying the odds and continuing to make progress.
"Ocean done came a long way," said Sherry Ancrum, Ocean's grandmother. "Anything she does, it makes me happy."
Ocean Robertson was just five months old in December 2020 when someone opened fire while she was in a car with her mother.
They were near the intersection of West Oak and Dr. W. J. Hodge streets in the California neighborhood. Ocean was shot in the head and survived. Her mother, Fa'Quansa "Molly" Ancrum, 30, died in the shooting.
"Molly was a sweet person with a big heart," Ancrum said. "My family is crushed."
Ocean has dealt with numerous medical issues since the shooting, including severe seizures. However, Ancrum believes every day with her granddaughter is a blessing.
"She wasn't supposed to pass one year old," she said. "But now, she's four."
While Molly got a headstone in June 2024, she and her daughter still haven't gotten justice. The shooting remains unsolved.
Fa'Quansa Ancrum's headstone was unveiled in Louisville, Ky. on June 29, 2024.
"I still ain't got no answer," Ancrum said. "It is pain that stays with me."
Her pain intensifies with every holiday and milestone Molly misses. Despite the grief, Ancrum finds strength in raising her five grandchildren.
"I'm left with all 5 of Molly's kids," Ancrum said. "I'm doing it on my own. I try my best because I don't want them in the system."
Ocean’s progress is serving as a source of her hope.
"Ocean keeps me going," Ancrum said. "She can't crawl, but she's scooting!"
She said Ocean will undergo surgery to place her left leg back into its socket in May 2025. Ancrum believes this will bring her closer to her dream of seeing Ocean walk.
"Once she has that surgery, I believe she's gonna walk for me," Ancrum said.
Though Sherry is heartbroken that Molly will never see Ocean's milestones, she remains hopeful.
"Put the guns down. Let's stop the violence," she urged.
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