EXCLUSIVE: West Houston mass shooting victim lucky to survive

HOUSTON (KTRK) -- Denise Slaughter is a fighter and she's determined to make what she calls "a second chance at life" the best life ever. She's giving back and wants to show the good in people, especially the first responders who helped save her life.

On the Sunday before Memorial Day, Denise and her partner were headed to brunch. It started off like any other Sunday. Just as they were leaving their neighborhood and turning onto Memorial, Diane saw a corner gas station on fire. Little did they know, it caught fire after Dionisio Garza starting firing shots and people and police.

"'Diane, look the gas station's on fire.' We were looking and then all of a sudden my driver's side window just exploded," said Denise Slaughter.

They soon realized that explosion was from a bullet.

"I had an earring in and went here," she said motioning to her neck, "I have bullet fragments in my neck and face," said Denise.

Denise got down as low as she could and continued to drive, pressing on the gas. She turned down the next street, and that's when one bullet struck her four times. It went in her left leg, out her left leg, then into her right leg and out her right leg. It left four bullet holes. One hole was so large, the doctor said one could fit two fists in it.

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Still, with four bullet holes in her legs she managed to drive one more block where she found a Precinct 5 deputy.

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"I had faith immediately to go to law enforcement to get help and once the constable was there. He did everything he could to get the ambulance," said Slaughter.

She stayed in the hospital for 20 days and had six surgeries.

"I realize that I was really lucky just to be here. It's a challenge and I have some kind of new purpose maybe," said Slaughter.

She wants to thank the first responders by holding a blood drive at her church.

HPD spokesperson John Cannon updates the shooting that left two dead and six wounded.

The blood drive is from 8am-2pm on July 9 and July 10 at Memorial Drive United Methodist Church.

They're encouraging people to make appointments if possible. The church is accepting walk-ins as well.

Also, if you would like to make a monetary donation to law enforcement, Denise is asking people to donate to the 100 Club.