Kathy Myers of Niles turned a gun on herself in an effort to get medical attention for her shoulder. A month ago,

Myers had hurt her shoulder trying to restrain her dogs from fighting. Doctors had given her pain medication, but it did not work 100%. Myers does not have health insurance and could not afford to see a specialist to have surgery for her shoulder injury.

Myers and her father, Paul Smallmon, had been working as asbestos removers. However, they have both been out of work for over a year. She had tried to gain insurance through employment; however, she couldn’t do the work due to her injury. Out of desperation, she grabbed her father’s gun and shot herself.

The gun was a .25 caliber. Myers aimed the gun at the upper part of her arm. She was hoping to hit an artery or cause other major damage. Myers said she knew that unless an injury was life threatening, she would have to pay for the medical attention up front. Myers is awaiting word from the prosecutor to see if charges will be pressed. Charges could include reckless discharge of a firearm or discharge of a firearm within city limits. Both she and her father are hoping no charges come from this.

Since the incident, people of the community have stepped up to help the family. The community is helping to raise money so Myers can receive the necessary treatment/surgery for her shoulder.