Ethan McCoy’s journey to restoration after spinal damage

SAN DIEGO, Calif. (FOX 5/KUSI) — After a swimming accident left him paralyzed from the chest down, a San Diego State University scholar is recovering effectively and rising above the damage to maintain his desires alive. 

“I was on my feet a lot of the day and a lot of the night, so I think being in a wheelchair is kind of humbling a little bit,” stated Ethan McCoy.

The 19-year-old is taking every day because it comes and combating via challenges after a seaside day in late August took a flip for the more serious when he hit a sandbar throughout an ocean swim subsequent to Crystal Pier in Pacific Beach.

“I passed out in the water for about 30 to 45 seconds until my friends pulled me out,” he stated.

Ethan suffered a spinal twine damage that left him paralyzed from the chest down. 

“Not being able to walk is a really hard thing to swallow,” he admitted.

Before his accident, the SDSU sophomore was coaching for an Ironman competitors, cherished to play sports activities and coach swimming. However, his damage put him within the hospital for 3 weeks, then a pair rehab facilities –- together with the one in Chicago the place he and is household are at present at earlier than they head to the following in Nebraska this upcoming Saturday. 

“It’s weird living in so many different places and not knowing sometimes what the next day will hold, but he keeps us going because we love him,” stated Ethan’s mother, Johanna McCoy.

Ethan is constructing his energy via bodily and occupational remedy, driving a guide wheelchair, and adapting to day by day duties. 

He’s additionally been capable of coach some swimmers in Chicago.

“It was neat to see him out by the pool again, you know, it was our first time really going out since the accident happened and to see him interacting with the kids and that kind of thing was really special,” stated Ethan’s dad, Jim McCoy.

While Ethan’s highway to restoration is lengthy, he is aware of he can preserve making progress, particularly along with his dad and mom by his aspect. He stated he needs to complete his diploma at SDSU in bodily remedy however shift away from a deal with athletes. 

“I know how hard it is at least for me so any help I can give to people in my situation or similar situation I think that’s what I want to do,” stated Ethan.

While the McCoy household has medical insurance coverage, they stated it doesn’t cowl the rehab Ethan wants in order that they have arrange a GoFundMe to assist with these bills.