CHESAPEAKE, Va. — A 16-year-old competitive gymnast from Chesapeake is making progress in his recovery after suffering a spinal cord injury in July.
While practicing at an open gym, Cody Bennett said he made a mistake and let go of the “high bar” too early. When he came down from being “stuck in the air,” Bennett passed the foam pit and fell straight onto his neck.
“I hit the ground and everything just kind of went numb. My first thought was that I was paralyzed,” Bennett explained.
After a friend called 911, Bennett was taken to the hospital where he realized he could not feel anything below his stomach.
He was rushed into surgery within six hours of the initial injury to fix the fracture in his neck and relieve compression on his spine.
A few days after the surgery, Bennett was able to make slight movements and have feelings where he couldn't before.
On Wednesday, Aug. 28, Bennett’s mom, Megan Buchholz informed 13News Now Cody is making good progress and was transferred to an inpatient rehab facility that specializes in spinal cord injuries in Richmond.
Bennett is undergoing therapy at the Sheltering Arms Institute: Physical Rehabilitation Hospital, which includes working with robotic equipment and rebuilding his arm strength.
His mother said he will be there until Sept. 11.