#MCKENNASTRONG: Community rallies around teen paralyzed in jet ski accident

MATTHEWS, N.C. — A community is rallying behind a young athlete, who is now paralyzed from the chest down after a devastating injury on Lake Wylie.

McKenna Woodhead and her friend were on a personal watercraft in June of 2018 when it crashed into a retaining wall.

[PAST COVERAGE: Girl paralyzed after jet-ski crash on Lake Wylie]

"She's a lot tougher than I would be," said Woodhead's dad Mike.

Her parents told Channel 9 the teen now has use of her hands, but there is still no movement in her core, legs and feet.

Support for McKenna has been pouring in from every corner, inspiring a fundraiser and game in her honor.

Managing partner with Charlotte Independence soccer team Jim Mcphilliamy said, "When something bad happens to a member of the soccer community, we're all part of a huge family and we had to be there for her as part of that family."

Woodhead's family got a $10,000 check at Tuesday night's Charlotte Independence game to help with the teen’s therapy sessions.

In the video at the top of this webpage, Reporter DaShawn Brown spoke with her parents about her long road to recovery and the overwhelming support from the community.

Cox Media Group