7-year-old girl who survived elevator knife attack speaks out for the first time

HARLEM (WABC) -- Mikayla Capers, a symbol of bravery and courage, stood before a crowd of people inside Reverend Al Sharpton's house of justice. Beneath her radiant eyes, and her glowing smile, is the 7-year-old's scar of survival - a scar that forever tells the story of a nightmarish act inside of a Brooklyn elevator.

It was June 1st when police say 27-year-old Daniel St. Hubert attacked and stabbed Mikayla and her 6-year-old friend PJ Avitto in East New York. Mikayla suffered 16 stab wounds - her friend PJ did not survive.

Now, two months later, Mikayla and her family want to publicly express their gratitude.

"Thank you for all your support, you know we needed everything that we got, and she is doing very, very well," said Mikayla's mother, Sherina Capers.

Mikayla's great-grandmother, Regenia Trevathan admitted those first few weeks after the attack were 'hell'. Now, after weeks of therapy, the 7-year-old has shown vast improvement, however Regina says Mikayla is experiencing some post-traumatic stress, so the family tries to keep her active.

To forget about her past, Mikayla is anxious about her future, and the start of third grade, where familiar faces and the joys of childhood should help erase the horrors of a dreadful da in June.

"The most exciting thing about it is I get to see the rest of my classmates again every day," Mikayla says.