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Paralyzed athlete walks for the first time to receive diploma [Video]

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  • Corey was the cornerback for his high school football team when a routine tackle led to a spinal injury that left him paralyzed and in a wheelchair.
  • He has since made it his mission to spread his story and inspire others to make the best of their lives.
  • Twelve years later, an exoskeleton suit helped him walk across the stage to receive his diploma during his graduation ceremony.

Corey Borner became paralyzed 12 years ago after an injury during a football match. A few weeks ago, he was able to walk for the first time since his injury at his college graduation.

Corey was his high school football team’s cornerback when a routine tackle severely injured him. He had to undergo a nine-hour surgery, but the C5-C6 spinal injury left him in a wheelchair for the rest of his life.

The Dallas native, now 28, has since become a motivational speaker.

“Being in a chair you have to make the best of it,” he shared. “You just got to be thankful because it’s a blessing to be alive and still be here.”

He recently graduated from the University of North Texas at Dallas this Aug. 14. And he was able to walk across the stage for the ceremony, surprising his friends and family!

It was made possible by an exoskeleton suit by the Baylor Scott & White Institute for Rehabilitation in Dallas.

Corey shared, “It was amazing being able to walk across the stage. It was actually a surprise. I told everyone that I had a special guest.”

He declared that it was only the start of a new chapter in his life.

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Corey still plans on doing motivational talks so he can continue sharing his testimony with others and keep his story alive.

Source: ABC News

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