In 2011, Frank Ficarra wondered if his son, Matt, would ever smile again.
The Upstate N.Y. man broke his neck in a freak boating accident and was paralyzed from the neck down. He was devastated and so was his father. It took Matt months of hard work to learn how to do things we take for granted like dress himself and use a fork. However, Frank said his son never gave up hope that he would walk again someday.
On October 18th, 2014, Matt achieved that goal. Thanks to a high-tech robotic device called Ekso, Matt Ficarra walked down the aisle at his wedding with his new wife, Jordan Basile. The Ekso strapped to his body and allows Matt to walk for short periods. Despite spending many long hours each week in rehabilitation and physical therapy, Matt will likely never fully walk again, due to the accident in which he jumped head first into shallow water.
On Matt's wedding night, their wasn't a dry eye in the crowd. Matt, joined by his father, walked into the venue alongside his dad to a standing ovation. He also stood during the vows, exchange of rings, proclamation of marriage and most importantly – the first kiss!
Frank couldn't be happier for his son, telling the Syracuse News "He pushed himself and he worked hard. He doesn't give up on anything."
To help buy Matt Ficarra an Ekso for himself, please visit his You Caring site.
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