CINCINNATI — Three lives were tragically taken, and two others were injured during a mass shooting at Cincinnati’s Fountain Square, four years ago Tuesday. For survivor Whitney Austin, it's been a long road to recovery. 

On Tuesday, Austin reunited with medical staff at UC Health Hospital. Austin shared hugs with the medical staff and Cincinnati Police Officer Alphonso Staples, who rescued her after she was shot inside the revolving door of Fifth Third Bank on Fountain Square. 

“They are all wonderful people and I don’t know how I got so lucky to live,” said Austin. “I don’t know how I got so lucky to be connected to these amazing humans.”

Staples said Austin has made a lot of progress since that day and he’s extremely proud of her. 

“Four years, and all the things she’s accomplished in the time that she’s been out there,” said Staples. “She’s not letting anything stop her.”

On Sept. 6, 2018, Austin was among 5 people who were shot at Fountain Square. She was shot 12 times. Although she’s a survivor, she said there’s not a day that goes by that she doesn’t think about those whose lives were lost. 

“I’ve been given four bonus years,” she said. “But on the flip side of that, I think about those who lost their lives on this day, and how their family members have an entirely opposite experience.”

Over the past four years, Austin has used her foundation, WhitneyStrong, to help reduce gun violence and help other survivors in need. 

She’s even a supporter of the Stop the Bleed training, which uses a tourniquet to help wounds from bleeding out. It’s the same thing that was used on Austin to keep her alive. 

“I just keep moving forward, grateful for the outcome I received and focused on helping others,” Austin said.