Chili, N.Y. - The Gates-Chili JV football coach paralyzed in a swimming accident in July is amazing therapists with his recovery.
Twenty-eight-year old Brian Weber of Chili severely bruised his spinal cord when he hit his head on the bottom of Lake Ontario during a back dive.
“I didn’t want to believe what was going on," he said. "It was kind of like a dream.”
Doctors told Brian he was paralyzed from the neck down and would not be able to move again.
Now, 10 months later, Weber is regaining movement down his chest.
This week, Weber said he felt movement toward his elbow and was able to move a thumb.
“They said it would never happen, so I guess I am an anomaly. I’m doing things in therapy that are shocking people,” said Weber.
Friends and family are amazed by Weber’s positive spirit and “can do” attitude.
Weber says he doesn’t want to waste his energy on negative emotions and is instead focused on his recovery.
He is looking forward to returning to help coach JV football at Gates–Chili this fall.
His other goals include feeding himself and being the best man at his friend’s wedding next year.
He hopes to hand the groom the wedding band.
Few doubt that is not a very real possibility for this “Comeback Coach”.
This weekend, a fundraiser, “Rally for Weber”, will be held to help the family defray costs of a handicapped accessible addition to their home.
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http://www.13wham.com/content/blogs/story/The-Ideal-Athlete-Idol/AlOprwmWBkuEC6sm9sZmRg.cspx
