Erika Franco begins her days like most other young 23-year-old women would, doing her hair and makeup in front of the mirror. But what she's gone through is anything but ordinary.

On November 1, 2018, Franco was the victim of a violent crime, in which she was stabbed 14 times outside of her home. Franco's three-year old son, Nathan Luna, was killed during the incident. 

Now an incomplete paraplegic, she is learning to move forward — coping with her own loss and the loss of her son. 

"Being in a wheelchair, at first, it feels like you lost a part of yourself," Franco said. "[But] I was so focused on his loss, that I didn’t really consider my own loss."

While it didn't make life any easier, dealing with the after effects of her son's death did serve as a distraction. She says she "powered through," but keeps reminders of him spread throughout her room. 

They serve as motivation to keep going through the days. 

"People ask me all the time, ‘How can you have all these pictures of you and your son?’" she said.

"Embracing him has always been the best part of my life [and] I have the most amazing memories of him. That’s going to be in my heart and memory forever."

She uses this strength to power through the long days. Not only does Franco have six hours of physical therapy Monday through Friday, but she has also returned to school and is studying to become a social worker. 

"I know that I can do it because I have done it, so my disability shouldn’t limit me from all the things that I know I can do," Franco said.

Her parents have had to stop working to help her adjust, but Franco said the community support has been incredible. In two short months, her GoFundMe page has reached over 10,000 dollars. 

And despite her overwhelming loss, she feels compelled to keep pushing through and take advantage of her second chance. 

"If you don't, you lose a part of your life that you’re never going to get back," she explained.