SAN ANTONIO -- There are stories in life that can pick you up when you least expect it. This is one of those stories.
Kaki is a teenager who refuses to give up on his dream of kicking a soccer ball, even as he lays in bed wondering if he'll ever walk again. On November 8th, the 18-year-old was cut off by another driver on Highway 46, right outside of Seguin.
"I hit the brakes and tried to go around him, but I lost control and straight into a pole," Kaki told us.
Dr. Lillian Liao, who is surgeon at the Pediatric Trauma Center at University Hospital, was there when Airlife brought Kaki in.
"His neck went forward and backward and snapped right around here," Dr. Liao said, pointing the injured area. She then explained, "Below his shoulders, he's not going to have any movement. Moving his arms, we don't think he'll recover that. But we won't be able to tell for about 6 months."
Kaki wanted to talk with us, because he wants everyone to know that the accident hasn't crushed his spirit.
"I dream one day I'll be be able to kick a soccer ball again," said Kaki.
His mom also hasn't given up hope.
"I have faith," said Samira Abed. "And I know God is capable of doing things that we don't think is possible." She told us, "Kaki is a fighter, and I do believe in miracles. I do."
For the next six months, Kaki will be in physical rehab at University Hospital. Kaki and his family will spend Christmas at the hospital. We'll be sure to bring you an update on how he's doing.
