2 years after being shot, Detroit US Judge recovers to run in Turkey Trot

DETROIT - It may look like your typical family Thanksgiving celebration but Thanksgiving 2017 the Berg household celebrated a victory.

"My middle daughter had the idea of running the race," Berg said. "And challenged the family to run the turkey trot. I had not really run since the shooting. 

"I said I'll try, I'll get out there and see what it feels like."

Judge Berg says running was always a major part of his life. But in March of 2015 he was shot in his leg outside of his Detroit home during a robbery attempt.

At first things looked bleak.

"Initially it was not entirely clear if I would walk," he said.

But Judge Berg refused to give up. Thanks to intense therapy he returned to work and although it was unclear if he would ever be able to reclaim his joy of running, Berg decided instead to give thanks.

"We really feel so much for all of the generosity from this great city and all of the people who gave us so much love during that incident."

As the judge was working to recover a few months after he was shot, his wife also faced a challenge 

"I was diagnosed with breast cancer in the middle of taking care of Terry through the shooting," Anita Sevier, his wife said. "It's good, my checkups are good."

But nearly three years later the family set out together to run the Turkey Trot Race on Thanksgiving Day.

"I thought about how my knee was doing, I was thinking about different levels of pain or discomfort," Berg said.

"I hate running but cancer probably hates me to run more, so I run," Sevier said. "To kick cancer out of there."

"Just to know that healing can occur and you can go from basically not being able to walk, to being able to do a 5K," Berg said. "It was wonderful to be out there."

And as Judge Berg prepares to gather with his family and friends to enjoy a Turkey feast... He also has a message for the people involved in his shooting incident.

"I don't spend a lot of time thinking about what that person did to me," he said. "I don't bear him any ill will. I hope he has a good Thanksgiving."

Despite obstacles like shooting incident and cancer this family says they've always remained in a spirit of Thanksgiving. 

"I think this city has a unique spirit," said Berg. "A spirit of support. It is something I feel very fortunate to be a part of."