Just before she was accidentally shot by a deer hunter, Hope Roenigk had just lost more than 40 pounds and was enjoying life, her health and family to the fullest.

“I do thank God that I am alive,” she said in a written statement. “But my life will never be the same.”

The hunter, 21-year-old David Lee Christy of Buffalo Township, pleaded no contest to reckless endangerment. He was sentenced Tuesday to serve 2 years' probation and 100 hours of community service.

Christy, in court, issued a brief but emotional apology.

Court records allege Christy shot Roenigk while hunting deer on a Buffalo Township farm Dec. 23, 2008.

Christy reportedly saw two deer running and fired once. After the deer split up, he fired again.

The second shot apparently hit Roenigk in the left leg, breaking her fibula and shattering her tibia.

“I do not consider this a hunting accident,” she wrote to the judge. “I was in my own driveway. The gun that was used was not a typical deer hunting rifle. The high-powered Winchester .325 gun that he used is known for shooting large game like elk and bear.”

Christy's no-contest plea implies that he is not acknowledging guilt, but rather is choosing not to fight the allegations at a jury trial. A no-contest plea is given the same weight as a guilty plea for sentencing.

In addition to the sentence, the judge ordered Christy to pay $3,166 in restitution to a victim's compensation fund. However, court officials said whatever money is to be paid to Roenigk will be decided later in civil court as she has sued Christy.