On the afternoon of June 3, 2023, what was meant to be a simple lunch outing turned into a life-altering moment for 17-year-old Madison Schemitz. In a parking lot outside a restaurant in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida, she was viciously stabbed multiple times by her ex-boyfriend in an assault that left her with a major spinal cord injury and a fight ahead that would test her strength, spirit and community support to the fullest.

This is the story of how Madison went from victim of domestic violence to advocate for others—how she refused to let the attack define her, how she reclaimed her life, and how she is now helping to change culture around relationship abuse and recovery.

The Attack and Emergency Response

Madison was dining with her mother, Jaclyn Rogé, at a restaurant when her ex-boyfriend, identified as Spencer Pearson, entered the scene. According to the St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office (SJSO), the assailant followed them outside and began the brutal attack, stabbing Madison repeatedly — reports indicate up to 17 times. Her mother and a bystander who intervened were also injured in the process.

Madison sustained deep wounds, collapsed lungs and a spinal cord injury that resulted in paralysis from the chest down. The physical devastation was immediate; the psychological aftermath would be enduring.

The prompt arrival of medical personnel, the bravery of bystanders and the quick action of her mother and others saved her life. In the weeks following, as she underwent surgeries and began rehabilitation, Madison would face the reality of rebuilding what had been lost.

The Aftermath: Recovery Against the Odds

When a young person faces a spinal cord injury, the prognosis is often grim. For Madison, the first weeks were filled with uncertainty: would she ever walk again? Would she ever regain upper body strength? The hospital stays gave way to specialized rehabilitation at Brooks Rehabilitation, where Madison entered a rigorous program to relearn mobility and rebuild her life.

In late 2024, Brooks Rehabilitation honored her as their “Rehab Champion,” recognising her tenacity, progress and the hope she inspired for others facing traumatic injuries.

But Madison’s recovery was not only about the physical. She has spoken candidly about the emotional toll: the fear, the grief, the identity shift that comes when your body changes overnight and your future seems uncertain. In interviews, she emphasises that every day still brings new challenges—but she faces them with resolve.

Return to Milestones: Graduation and Advocacy

One of the most symbolic milestones came in May 2024, when Madison walked across the stage at her high school graduation—an achievement she once thought impossible. The photo of her crossing the stage, in a wheelchair and supported by friends and family, became a powerful image of perseverance.

Rather than retreating into silence, Madison used her experience to fuel a new mission. She partnered with the One Love Foundation, a nonprofit working to raise awareness around healthy and unhealthy relationships, particularly among teens. At a back-to-school event in July 2023, she spoke openly about relationship abuse and launched a chapter of the foundation at her high school.

That move signals a shift: from survivor to advocate. Madison says the community support she received helped her stay motivated—and now she wants to pay it forward, ensuring that others recognise the warning signs of violence and seek help before tragedy strikes.

Community Support and Heroism

In the narrative of this attack and recovery, several individuals stand out. Madison’s mother, Jaclyn Rogé, intervened during the attack and was herself seriously wounded. A bystander, Kennedy Armstrong, also across the parking lot, rushed in and tackled the assailant, helping stop the violence. Without their efforts, the outcome likely would have been far worse.

The SJSO’s investigation and eventual prosecution of Madison’s ex-boyfriend also marked a turning point for justice in this case. He was sentenced to life in prison for his role in the attack.

Beyond that, the outpouring of support from friends, community members, hospital staff and rehab therapists formed a safety net around Madison, helping her move forward.

Facing the Bigger Issue: Relationship Violence Among Youth

Madison’s case is not isolated. According to One Love and other domestic-violence organisations, young women and men often experience relationship abuse, stalking and violence in contexts that are rarely discussed openly. Madison has used her platform to call attention to these patterns, especially how they may appear in teen relationships—through jealousy, control, isolation and then escalation.

At school events, she emphasises: “This isn’t about being dramatic; it’s about recognising when something doesn’t feel right. If your gut says it’s off, talk to someone. You deserve help.”

Her message resonates because she lived it. The fact that she initiated a One Love chapter at her school shows her commitment to translating survival into prevention.

Lessons in Resilience: What Madison Teaches Us

Several themes emerge from Madison’s journey that hold broader lessons:

The power of community: Challenges of the magnitude Madison faced require more than individual grit; they demand a network of support. Her rehab, her graduation, her advocacy all reflect the generosity of many people—from first responders to therapists to school staff.

Transforming trauma into purpose: Rather than allowing the attack to define her solely as victim, Madison chose to invest in advocacy, share her story, and shine light on relationship violence. That shift in identity is crucial to long-term healing and meaning.

The daily grind of recovery: Recovery from spinal cord injury is not a one-time victory; it’s a relentless process of therapy, setbacks and small wins. Madison’s willingness to embrace that daily work is a key part of her story.

Visibility matters: By walking at graduation, speaking at events, engaging with media and supporting younger students, Madison makes visible what many try to hide—vulnerability, disability, recovery and hope.

Prevention through education: The ultimate aim of Madison’s activism is to prevent what she endured from happening to someone else. Culturally, shifting the conversation around teen relationships, stalking and violence is an uphill fight—but her voice strengthens it.

What’s Next: A Future of Impact

In her post-high-school life, Madison is pursuing a degree in criminal justice with a minor in social welfare—plans that dovetail with her lived experience and advocacy goals. She remains in outpatient physical therapy, continues to engage in community speaking engagements and helps raise awareness of relationship abuse.

Madison’s evolving identity—from teenage victim to resilient survivor to community leader—is still unfolding. She may not yet have achieved full mobility, but in many ways she embodies a different kind of freedom: freedom from fear, freedom to transform pain into purpose, and freedom to walk—figuratively and literally—into a new chapter of her life.

Conclusion

The attack on Madison Schemitz was a brutal reminder of the real risks of relationship violence, stalking and escalation. But the rest of her story is a testament to what survival can look like, what recovery can achieve, and what purpose can emerge from unspeakable pain.