APPLETON, Wis. (WFRV)-- An Oshkosh family that's recovering from an unthinkable tragedy, is receiving a lot of welcome  community support.

It was just this past Christmas Eve that the Garland family's life was forever changed.

Chris, Nicole and their four sons did what they always do on Christmas, went to Grandpas house to celebrate.

"Andrew was sitting on Chris's lap, watching a football game," said Nicole.

It was just a regular family gathering, until Nicole's brother, Christopher Andreas shot Chris in the back.

"For him to be sitting there one second, and on the floor the next second not able to feel your legs," said Nicole.

Andreas suffers from schizophrenia and was convinced his family was trying to poison him.

"Why this happen to me, I'll never know," said Chris, who still struggles to understand why his brother-in-law shot him.

The shooting left Chris paralyzed and doctors told him he has a 10 percent chance of ever walking again.

 "I didn't want nothing to do with this wheelchair," said Chris, "I couldn't accept me not being able to walk around."

Chris spent almost three months in the hospital after the shooting and will be heading back for at least another 10 weeks after doctors discovered he's suffering from an infection that came from the metal rods placed in his back.

This has made having a job impossible for Chris and between the hospital visits ad taking care of Chris and their boys, Nicole has had to put her nursing degree on hold.

"We literally raise four boys with whatever friends and family help us with," said Nicole.

But even that hasn't been enough, the Garland's can barely get by. That's why some friends and even complete strangers have planned a fundraiser at Jonathon Bistro's in Appleton on Sunday, April 29.

They are calling it the "Superbowl for Superman Benefit." The benefit runs from 2p.m. to 8p.m. and includes live music, lots of activities for kids, silent auctions and plenty more.

The goal of the event is to raise at least $100,000 to help the Garland's pay off their mortgage.

"This benefit means everything to us," said Nicole.

Chris has even postponed his surgery to be there on Sunday.

It's hard for them to put their appreciation into words, similar to the feelings they have towards their brother, who is being held in state custody, treated for his mental illness after the court decided he is not competent to stand trial right now.

Nicole  said she struggled with forgiveness, something that came easier for Chris.

"He taught me how to forgive my brother, he's forgiven him since the very beginning, but i didn't always," said Nicole.

"I got to make the best of my situation as I can got four boys that look up to me," said Chris.

For more information on the benefit, or on how to donate to the Garland's, visit this website.