A Cherokee teen is at Atlanta’s Shepherd Center, hoping to breathe on his own and regain movement, following a freak bicycle accident last month.
Aiden Hulsey, 15, was riding bikes with friends and one of his brothers when he attempted a trick, lost his balance and crashed. His 12-year-old brother saw him fall, and realized Aiden wasn’t moving.
Their father, David Hulsey, dialed 911 and waited by his son’s side.
“Dad, I can’t feel anything,” Aiden told him. “Show me that you’re holding my hand.”
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Doctors at WellStar Kennestone Hospital confirmed Aiden had broken his neck and would need emergency surgery after the June 13 incident. Following a second surgery on his spinal cord, he was moved to Atlanta’s Shepherd Center, where he is beginning his second week of treatment.
“We are starting to see some trace movements on the left side,” said Dr. Anna Elmers, who specializes in spinal cord injury medicine.
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He’s making progress during therapy sessions and has been able to enjoy meals from Chick-fil-A, his favorite. Staff members have nicknamed him “Sunshine.”
“He is lovely,” Elmers said. “He’s got a great attitude.”
Summers are busy times for injuries, she said.
“We expect kids to be out and playing, but want them to be safe,” she said. “From an injury prevention standpoint, we always emphasize helmets for those riding bikes, skateboards, etc. We also want to remind everyone to go feet first into the water as we are heading into the peak of summer.”
Every year, approximately 17,500 Americans suffer spinal cord injuries, most often through auto accidents, falls, violence and sports-related accidents, according to the Shepherd Center. The majority of those injured are males.
Aiden, who loves to play lacrosse and skateboard, is able to turn his head and shrug his shoulders, but has no feeling in other parts of his body. His family has been encouraged at his slight movement and reflexes, but he’s also battled pneumonia and remains on a ventilator.
“I know in my heart he’s going to be okay,” said Jennifer Hulsey, his stepmother. “He’s going to surpass all expectations and I truly believe it. I know God’s not done with him.”
A family friend has created a Go Fund Me page to assist the Hulsey family during Aiden's recovery. A Facebook page was also set up to keep family and friends updated on his progress. Above all, the family is asking for prayers.
Aiden misses socializing and is eager to be off the ventilator for good. But his faith saw him through the initial ordeal and is sustaining him through recovery.
“God has me Momma,” he told his stepmother. “I’m okay.”
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