Fort Hood Shooting Survivor Runs To State Capitol - kcentv.com - KCEN HD - Waco, Temple, and Killeen

The 3-year anniversary of the Fort Hood Shooting is just days away, and tomorrow one of the victims who survived the attack will run all the way to the state capitol.

It all part of his fight to make sure no one forgets about the victims who are still struggling with what happened.

He's raising money to help them.

For CW5 Chris Royal, "quit" is a four-letter word.

Thursday he begins a five day run from Fort Hood to the Texas State Capitol, arriving on the 3rd anniversary of the shooting that wounded him and 31 others.

"I got hit on the bottom portion of my back," said Chris, as he uncovered two bullet wound scars on either side of his spine.

13 people lost their lives that fateful day.

Chris said, "During this time of the year, I really get choked up, and my body is hurting, my mind is weary."

But he presses onward, training for hours in the gym, driven by his passion to remind Americans that survivors still need their help.

Some struggle with extra medical needs, suffering with PTSD that can make it difficult to work.

"I understand, I feel, I can relate to the issues they are facing when no one is around," said Chris.

Despite nerve damage in his back that causes shooting pains, Chris has trained in the gym for the 80-mile journey for four months.

Killeen Gold's Gym General Manager Mark Fensk sees him every day and finds him to be an amazing inspiration.

"He's very intense every day when he comes here, works out, probably about two and half hours every day when he comes here," said Mark.

When asked just how determined he is to finish what he set out to do, Chris said, "Well I'll say this, my body and my mind is saying no, but the passion that I have for the awareness, it overweighs all of the pain, all of the wanting to quit."

The long trek to Austin begins at 9:30 a.m. in front of the Shoppette convenience store, near the Clear Creek gate.

Families are welcome to come out and show their support at an opening ceremony.

Chris does everything himself, including going out there and setting up around 9 a.m..

He says he would appreciate any helping hands.

He founded the 32 Still Standing Foundation after the massacre in order to help families in the wake of the tragedy.

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Reporter: Sophia Stamas sstamas@kcentv.com

Photographer: Chris Buford cbuford@kcentv.com