An Old Bridge High School student-athlete has made a remarkable recovery from a life-changing spinal injury.
Adriana Maria, a junior and member of the school’s wrestling team, was seriously hurt during a match in late January. What started as a routine takedown quickly turned into a frightening moment that left her partially paralyzed.
"I tried to get out of the pin, and I immediately felt pain in my neck, and I couldn't feel anything. I tried to call injury time and I realized I couldn't move my arms," Maria recounted. "The surgeons told my mom that after my surgeries, I probably would only be able to move my arms."
Adriana returned to school this week, walking on her own and barely relying on a walker.
"Every single day, I'm going to wrestle again, I'm going to wrestle again. I'd tell all my nurses," Maria said. "I told them I'm going to walk out of here."
Classmates, teammates and members of the community rallied around her, raising more than $100,000 to support her and her family while she was in the hospital. Her teammates and coach even held several wrestling matches to raise funds to support her.
"Honestly in my time here at Old Bridge, that's just what we do here," said Jane Maline, Old Bridge High School Athletic Trainer who rushed to Maria's side when she was injured. "Everybody bands together when something happens, everybody reaches out to help. So, I was surprised but not surprised at the same time."
Now back at school and continuing her recovery, Maria’s determination and community behind her are helping her take steps forward.
"It just really made me realize how many people actually care," Maria said.
