CLAREMONT, Calif. — A Southern California teen who has been in a wheelchair for nearly a year overcame the odds last week to walk at his high school graduation.
According to KTLA, Claremont High School graduate Alexander Harris surprised his classmates Thursday as he rose from his wheelchair, used a walker to cross the stage and accepted his diploma.
"He couldn't lift his hands to drink," his mother, Peggy, told KTLA. "I had to feed him. I had to give him, you know, whatever he needed, and to see where he's at today ..."
The emotional moment came 10 months after a serious motocross racing crash left Harris with a broken neck.
Although doctors said Harris may never be able to use his limbs again, he remained focused on one goal.
"My first thought was, 'When can I get back walking?'" he told KTLA.
Following several months of physical therapy, he did just that.
"Never give up," he told the TV station.
Want to follow Harris' recovery? You can read more about him and donate to his GoFundMe campaign here.