This horrific attack on a suburban Chicago woman is a great reason why women should be carrying a gun. This is also a lesson in why not to open your door to a stranger who wants to use your phone. Random attacks are on the rise – we report and read about them every day.

WILLOWBROOK, Ill. – The victim of a brutal and horrific attack in her home was released from the hospital today and is speaking out for the first time.

Melissa Schuster, better known as “Mimi” by her friends and family was released from Good Samaritan Hospital in Downers Grove today.

“I saw myself in the mirror for the first time yesterday. I was almost in tears,” Melissa said. “Then I realized it’s just the beginning. It’s only been a week I’ve been here and there’s already been so much healing taking place. It’s only going to get better.”

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Less than one week ago, Melissa was in her driveway in Willowbrook unloading her car when she says 31-year-old Londale Madison of South Bend, Indiana pulled into her driveway.

“He drove away, then came back,” she said. “All he asked was, ‘Can I have money.’ I said, ‘I don’t’ have any. I’m sorry.’ He said, ‘I need to get back to Indiana I need gas.’’

She says he left, she went inside. Then Madison came back asking to use her phone. Then forced his way inside.

“He stabbed me over 17 times, in the neck, back of the head, lower back by my kidney, my liver.”

Via: WGN