After Accident Leaves Him Quadriplegic, Records Video of Daily Routine To Raise Awareness
Zack Collie used to be just like every other boy his age, but an accident in 2010 when he was only 15 years old changed his life forever.
Collie and his friends were bodysurfing at Newport Beach, California, when something went terribly wrong, The Orange County Register reported.
Though he had his hands braced in front of him as he skimmed on the waves, Collie somehow struck a sandbar headfirst; the impact damaged his C4 vertebra.
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“Instantly after the impact, my whole body went numb and tingly similar to when your arm falls asleep,” he told the Daily Mail. “In a split second, I went from being able to move every muscle in my body to moving nothing.”
Collie was stuck face down in the water and fully conscious but unable to move. It was a terrible moment, one that could’ve spelled the end for the young man.
Fortunately, one of his friends crashed into the surf and flipped him over so that he could breathe. Then he pulled Collie to safety.
The dramatic tale was only the start of Collie’s story because he remained a quadriplegic even after his long recovery process was over.
“When I was first injured, I had no movement below my neck,” the now-24-year-old said, according to Metro. “I could not raise my hand to itch my face.
“I could no longer feed myself, take a shower on my own, shave, dress, do my hair, brush my teeth, and much more. I was now entirely dependent on others taking care of me so that I could have a decent quality of life.”
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Fortunately, Collie had his parents to take care of him, and a time-lapse video posted on YouTube shows just how much effort they put into aiding their son.
Mornings start with his parents undoing the tie down that keeps his “spastic” legs in place during the night, receiving a suppository, and waiting for his bowels to move, which can take almost an hour.
Next, Collie’s mother gives him a shower and then transfers him to the bed so she can dress him. The whole process takes about 90 minutes, and though doubtlessly difficult, the pair show good humor throughout, laughing and smiling.
Collie credits the accident for giving him a better perspective on life and told The Matador Messenger that “I would only undo my accident if I kept the way I think now. If I had to go back to my old self and not have had my accident I would not do it.”
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