Corey Borner made his college graduation special in more ways than one.
The Texas native walked in public for the first time in more than a decade when he graduated from the University of North Texas at Dallas on Saturday. Borner suffered a severe spinal cord injury during a high school football game in 2009 that left him paralyzed,KXASreported.
“As soon as I made a hit, I couldn’t move from the neck all the way down to my feet,” Borner told the news station.
“Twelve years since you haven’t taken a step,” the 28-year-old told the KXAS in June. “That’s a long time.”
Since that life-changing day, Borner has shared his story with audiences as a motivational speaker. He has also participated in rehabilitation with the goal of using his legs again.
“We all go through something. That’s one thing about life. But as long as you continue to stay focused and stay positive, anything is possible,” he explained.
Borner took his first steps with the exoskeleton in June,KXASreported.
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“Retweet this forever! So I shocked the whole world!” Bornertweetedafter the emotional moment. “When you surprise the world walking across to receive your communication degree!”
“This is the biggest moment in my life!” he added. “I will continue to never give up and inspire the world with my testimony. I walked again! #Findaway”
On Instagram, Borner praised his mother for her love and support, which helped him reach the milestone.
“You are the greatest mother ever! I give you lots of hugs sitting,” he wrote to his mother alongside apictureof the two. “But today I had to kiss you!”
Borner toldGMAthat he plans to continue sharing his story in the hopes he inspires others.
“I plan on continuing to be a motivational speaker and share my testimony to others,” he said. “I made a promise to myself in 2009 that I will always keep my story alive.”
source: people.com
