NJ Teen Wrestler Walks Again After Spinal Injury

Six weeks ago, Adriana Maria couldn't move anything below her neck. Today, she's walking the halls of Old Bridge High School with a walker and a smile that won't quit.

The 16-year-old wrestler displaced her spinal cord during a match against Perth Amboy on January 31. One moment she was executing a routine move, and the next, she felt sharp pain and realized she couldn't call for help.

"When I tried to call injury time, I realized I couldn't move," Maria said.

Athletic trainer Jane Maline immediately stabilized Maria's head and neck until paramedics arrived. That quick thinking may have prevented further damage to her spine.

Maria underwent two neck surgeries and spent six weeks in the hospital. Doctors weren't sure she'd ever walk again.

But Maria had other plans.

Why This Inspires

Maria's determination never wavered, even in her darkest moments. Her athletic trainer noticed something remarkable throughout the entire ordeal.

"The whole time that this has been going on, she's never let it take her down," Maline said.

The Old Bridge community rallied behind their young athlete. Parents organized fundraisers at home games while a GoFundMe campaign brought in over $135,000 for medical expenses and rehabilitation costs.

"It just really let me know that no matter what the outcome was, that I would always have people there for me," Maria said.

She's now attending half-day classes at Old Bridge High School while continuing physical therapy several times a week. Each day brings new progress as she builds back strength and mobility.

And Maria isn't setting small goals for herself. When asked what she's looking forward to most, her answer was immediate and unwavering.

"Getting back to wrestling," she said without hesitation. "The losing feeling isn't as great, but the winning feeling, it just brings something out, especially in me."

For Maria, victory looks different now, but it tastes just as sweet.