PHILADELPHIA (CBS) – Kevin Neary was given every reason to be negative exactly one year ago.

“As the date approached, it was definitely on my mind,” said Neary, who is now confined to a wheelchair.

Neary was paralyzed from the neck down when he was shot in the neck during an attempted robbery in Northern Liberties. But the upbeat 30-year-old has focused on staying positive ever since.

“It’s easy,” said Neary with a smile. “Just surround yourself with people that are amazing.”

Neary said the best part of the last year “is the support that I’ve had from friends and family, and just overall everyone I’ve come across.”

“I’d say 95 percent of the time, we just focus on moving ahead and doing well,” said his father, Joe Neary. “It’s a lot, but it’s well worth it. It’s well worth it.”

Between catching up on sports and TV shows, Kevin said he has to work on his breathing and talking.

“Health issues set you back every once in a while, but realistically, with the people that have come into my life, those are minor things,” he said.

Stacks of medical supplies surround him in the family room where he spends much of his time. But he is determined to improve so that he can start his own business.

“I try to focus on the positive. That’s the only thing I can control.”

Each movement is a challenge for Kevin, and every day can seem like a monumental undertaking. But this is Kevin’s life, and he is determined to make the best of it.