Long Beach Teen Celebrates Recovery After Diving Injury

Fifteen-year-old Sandro Apuzzo, a water polo player from Long Beach, is set to walk out of Miller Children's Hospital on Wednesday, following a remarkable recovery from a severe spinal cord injury sustained during a diving accident on July 4.

Initially believed to be paralyzed after suffering burst fractures in his lower cervical spine, Sandro spent five months undergoing multiple surgeries and intense rehabilitation. He described the moment of his injury, recalling, 'I didn't feel myself hit the bottom, so I just realized I can't move.

I'm just floating here. Why are my arms not moving?' His determination to recover was fueled by his love for water polo, as he faced grueling two-a-day physical therapy sessions, battling vertigo and painful hyper-sensitivity.

Sandro explained, 'My entire left side of my body from my chest down... it would have felt like you stabbed me with a bunch of needles.' Despite these challenges, Sandro maintained a positive outlook, stating, 'There's always a light at the end of the tunnel.

No matter how dim that light is, there's always a light that shines in there, and there's always hope.' Sandro is looking forward to returning to his high school in February and continuing his recovery.

In a heartwarming twist, the lifeguard who rescued him from the water will join the celebration as he heads home, marking a significant milestone in his inspiring journey of resilience and recovery. According to NBC Los Angeles, this story not only highlights Sandro's incredible strength but also serves as a testament to the power of medical care and the support from family and friends during challenging times.