Paralyzed Teen Miraculously Walks at His High School Graduation
Although he was run over by a car at 14-months-old and paralyzed from the waist down, Patrick Ivison didn’t let his disability stop him. In fact, the California native learned how to kayak, ski, play rugby and even surf. And now he has one more amazing feat to add to his accomplishments after managing to walk during his high school graduation on Tuesday.
In 1995, Ivison was struck by a vehicle while walking with his mother. The accident severely damaged his spinal cord and confined him to a wheelchair. And yet, he went on to accomplish amazing things and even became a featured athlete in the US Open of Surfing.
In that same spirit of tenacity, Ivison vowed three years ago that he would walk across the stage and accept his high school diploma at graduation. So, he began intensive physical therapy to increase the strength of his muscles and build coordination.
On Tuesday, all of Ivison’s hard work paid off as he stood from his wheelchair and walked to accept his diploma with the help of a trainer and specially-made walker. Congratulations, Patrick!