Wednesday, May 30 2012 7:48 PM EDT2012-05-30 23:48:54 GMT
Jeanne Olson, director of rehab with the Courage Center, joined FOX 9 News to talk about the equipment that is being used in Jack Jablonski's rehabilitation and how far he has come.
Jeanne Olson, director of rehab with the Courage Center, joined FOX 9 News to talk about the equipment that is being used in Jack Jablonski's rehabilitation and how far he has come.
ST. PAUL, Minn. (KMSP) -
More than seven months after he was paralyzed in a high school hockey game, Jack Jablonski is continuing to make progress as he prepares for a sold-out fundraiser in a huge venue.
Ticket sales for the gala alone raised $120,000 for Jablonski and others with spinal cord injuries.
At a press conference on Thursday morning, Jablonski's mother spoke about how far her son has come.
"I think he's so much healthier," said Leslie Jablonski, who also said her son is now able to do push-ups. "I was stretching his legs the other day and he felt his hamstring. He said, 'That hurt.' He's actually moved his legs on his own a little bit."
The Jablonskis say the credit belongs to a new, intensive rehabilitation and wellness program at the Courage Center called ABLE. Insurance won't cover it yet, and funding so far has come through the Christopher Reeve Foundation.
The Thursday night gala, which attracted about 800 guests, will help defray medical costs for Jablonski and will benefit the Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation as well.
There was something that seemed so right about seeing Jablonski back on the ice on Thursday, casually talking with idols like Jeremy Roenick.
"I've seen Jack on the ice, and I know he's not a victim. He's a warrior," said Lou Nanne, former general manager of the North Stars.
