17-year-old Nico Fiorello suffered a paralyzing spinal injury four months ago after a swimming accident at Jones Beach in Long Island, according to the NY Daily News.
The teen is now able to walk again after receiving emergency neck surgery at Nassau University Medical Center, according to CBS News.
“I dove in and then I hit the ground on my head and then after that I couldn’t move anything,” explained Fiorello.
Fiorello was reportedly afraid that he would end up in a wheelchair for the rest of his life. The Long Island teen took his first steps unassisted on Wednesday.
“Standing up here being able to walk is just amazing,” stated the teen, as he stood alongside his doctors and parents at a press conference.
Doctors reportedly stated that Fiorello had broken every bone in his neck and one jagged piece had pierced his spinal cord. The injured teenager was reportedly initially only able to wiggle his toes.
Surgeons reportedly performed several operations to insert rods while fusing two neck vertebrate together. The teen was able to move more through his physical therapy sessions.
Fiorello and his family were reportedly told by doctors that only 10 percent of people suffering severe neck injuries are able to regain the ability to walk.
Seaford teen Nico Fiorello walking again after dive paralysis about to speak at NUMC #NicoStrong #1010WINS pic.twitter.com/y7LFgZnW6p
— Mona Rivera (@WINSmona) September 2, 2015
“Oh my God, I was like, ‘Was he ever going to walk again? He’s 17, this can’t be happening.’ He’s my baby, and he hates when I say that,” stated his mother, Lorraine Fiorello.
The student reportedly starts school this week at Seaford High School with the hopes of joining the lacrosse team in the spring.
“I’m really happy to go back to school and see my friends. They’re all proud of me and happy to see me,” stated the teen.
His friends aren’t the only ones that are proud of him.
“He’s a superstar,” Dr. Fontana.
“For every Nico there’s 100 patients that don’t make this kind of recovery.”
