Teen Survives Brutal Attack at Fast Food Restaurant

Kady Grass, a young woman from Delavan, Wisconsin, recently underwent a harrowing experience while visiting her grandparents in Carpentersville, Illinois. She was in town to support her 13-year-old cousin at a choir concert on May 13. After the concert, the cousins decided to grab a quick meal at a local McDonald's. Little did they know that their visit would turn into a traumatic and violent incident.

After arriving at the fast-food restaurant, Kady attempted to enter the women's restroom but found it occupied. It was at this moment that she was verbally assaulted by two men sitting at a nearby table. The men, without any provocation, directed a homophobic slur at her. Kady, taking a stand, confronted them. She asserted her identity as a lesbian woman, which unfortunately provoked a violent reaction from the men.

Violence Erupts

According to Kady's account, the assailants included a 19-year-old Black man and a 16-year-old who appeared Latino. One of them struck her in the jaw, and the other attacked her from behind. Overwhelmed by the assault, Kady lost consciousness. Her young cousin was left watching in fear as one of the attackers held Kady down while the other continued the assault by kicking her face and stomping on her.

When Kady regained consciousness, she could barely see due to swelling around her eyes. Despite the pain, she managed to reach out for help, grabbing the denim pant leg of someone nearby and pleading for them to call 911.

Swift Response and Ongoing Consequences

During the attack, a McDonald's manager attempted to intervene but was reportedly assaulted by the attackers. The two girls who had occupied the restroom were allegedly associated with the attackers and took the opportunity to steal Kady's wallet and both her and her cousin's phones before fleeing the scene.

The police were soon involved, and charges were imminent. The 19-year-old, identified as John Kammrad, faces several charges including aggravated battery and mob action. He was taken into custody on May 17. The 16-year-old involved also surrendered himself to the authorities on May 16. Meanwhile, the two girls are expected to face misdemeanor theft charges.

Emergency medical responders arrived and transported Kady to the hospital. Her injuries were severe, with blood seeping from her eyes and mouth. She suffered a broken nose and numerous bruises, making daily activities painful and difficult. Although her vision is expected to recover fully, she continues to endure physical discomfort.

Family Support and Moving Forward

Kady's family has been her pillar of strength throughout this ordeal. Her father was deeply angered by the attack, while her mother was overcome with emotion. Though shaken, they are determined to seek justice for Kady. A GoFundMe campaign was launched to help cover her medical expenses and legal fees. The fundraiser has garnered significant community support, raising over $1,500 towards its $5,000 goal.

Despite the trauma, Kady is resolute in not letting the attack define her. She refuses to be seen as a victim but rather as a resilient survivor. "This should have never happened just because I am the way I am, and it should have never happened just because I was just trying to use the bathroom," she said. "I want to be seen as someone that is strong because they tried to ruin my life, but instead, they ruined their own."

The incident has sparked a newfound determination in Kady to pursue her long-held dream of becoming a police officer. "I’m not going to let myself be put down by something like this," she declared, noting her aspiration to be a force for good and justice in her community.