While Skiing With Friends, This Teen Broke His Back Trying To Do A Backflip
Denver, Colorado. The Lewis family is experiencing many parents’ worst fear; a fun ski trip could change their son’s life forever.
16-year-old Cyrus went skiing with friends a few weeks ago. While performing a backflip, he landed wrong and broke the 5th cervical vertebra.
Cyrus was rushed to Denver Children’s Hospital by way of the Flight for Life, soon followed by his mother.
After the doctors stabilized his broken neck with surgery, Cyrus stayed in the ICU for two days. He was paralyzed from the torso down with limited use of his arms.
When his family consulted with neurosurgeons on Cyrus’ conditions, they received devastating news; Cyrus may never walk again.
Cyrus even captured the shocking moment on video, later sharing what happened with his community on Instagram, as well as the family’s GoFundMe.
“There wasn’t enough snow,” Cyrus said. “I didn’t have enough speed. I didn’t stick the landing. This was the moment when my life changed.”
“I was left lying in the snow for just under two hours. My friends did everything in their power to take care of me until help arrived.”
GoFundMe; pictured above is Cyrus on the right
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Friends helped the family set up their GoFundMe to support the cost of Cyrus’ rehabilitation, recovery, and the new financial challenges the family will face going forward due to Cyrus’ disability.
The family’s ultimate goal is to raise $500,000. Thanks to the dedicated GoFundMe community, word of mouth, and the contributions of family and friends, they are already halfway to their goal.
These funds will go toward an accessible vehicle for Cyrus to ride in, as well as a family home that meets Cyrus’ accessibility needs.
“I have been faced with the possibility that I may never walk again,” Cyrus said in an update. “I have also heard many inspiring stories about people, who through hard work and a positive mindset, have accomplished rare and miraculous recoveries.”
The inspiring teen makes sure to acknowledge that his life will go on and that he has not lost his potential in life, though his path has changed.
Cyrus reminds others to remain grateful for what we have and never take our lives for granted.
However, remaining hopeful, Cyrus extends his well-wishes to donors and readers alike. “I hope that you all continue to work hard to reach your potential, just as I am.”
If you would like to donate to help Cyrus with his medical bills, you can do that here.
More About:Human Interest
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