'It's the best feeling to think about': Paralyzed SC teen learning to walk again

CHARLESTON, S.C. — A South Carolina middle schooler isn't giving up hope after a staph infection in her spinal cord left her paralyzed from the waist down.

Sydney Fowler has been in a wheelchair since December and she's now re-learning how to walk.

Sydney's parents drive her from their home in Mount Pleasant to Atlanta every week for therapy. She has regained some feeling in her legs and is now able to wiggle her toes.

[WATCH: Man paralyzed by rare disorder stands to propose to girlfriend]

"There are times where I’m like, 'I don’t know if I can do this forever,'" Sydney said. "Just going to pretty much think that I’m going to walk again because it’s the best feeling to think about."

Her mother fought back tears as she told our news partners at ABC News 4 about the support from the community. Sydney's volleyball team arranged a fundraiser that collected $15,000 for her medical bills.

The family plans to donate some of the money to other paralyzed children in the area.

Read more top trending stories on wsoctv.com:

Cox Media Group