Sometimes we learn the most important lessons during the darkest periods of our lives.
Chris Norton of Des Moines, Iowa grew up playing sports. He played every sport he could, from soccer to track, but his real love was football. Chris’s talents on the field landed him a spot on the varsity high school football team when he was just a sophomore; by the time he was ready to college, he had a full ride offer from Luther College.
People
Life seemed bright and full of possibilities for the young athlete. He quickly made friends and continued to shine academically and athletically.
Then, at a game on October 10, 2010, Chris had an accident on the field that changed the entire course of his life.
People
“I mistimed my jump, just by a split second,” Chris explained but the real panic came when he tried to get back up. “I’m trying to push off the ground, but nothing’s working.”
The entire stadium of onlookers watched in horror as Chris lay motionless on the field.
People
Chris was airlifted to a local hospital, where he underwent a series of tests. By the end of the day, doctors told Chris and his devastated family that he had broken his C3 and C4 vertebrae, which is one of the worst spinal chord injuries you can have. He was given just a 3% chance of ever moving anything below his neck again.
People
After one surgeon told him, “Chris, you’re never going to move anything in your legs ever again,” Chris felt his fighting spirit rise, along with his resolve.
“I’m gonna prove those doctors wrong,” he said. And he meant it.
After a tragic college football accident, @chrisanorton16 takes us through the moments that followed and the heartbreaking realization that he may never move again. #7yardsfilm Watch more #PeopleFeatures here: https://t.co/b8dy0Gp0ZX pic.twitter.com/3T55DbxAB7
– PeopleTV (@peopletv) April 25, 2018
Always a hard worker, Chris threw himself into rehab and physical therapy. Soon, he was working with therapists for four hours each day, plus more on his own time.
“If I wasn’t sleeping, I was working,” Chris said later. Within a few months, his efforts were rewarded when he was able to wiggle his left toe — a sign of wonderful things to come!
People
As soon as he could, he resumed his life and went back to college and lived with friends. Although he was intent on getting back to his new normal, in his heart he wondered if he’d ever find a woman to share his life with. His friends encouraged him to try online dating… and that’ show he met Emily.
People
Emily Summers wasn’t put off by Chris’s disability in the slightest. Her humanitarian heart saw far beyond his wheelchair, and into his very soul. They hit it off immediately.
“We felt like we’d always known each other,” Emily said.
People
With Emily by his side, Chris regained his confidence and set a goal of walking at his upcoming college graduation. They began working out together, with Emily taking on the role of “mini personal trainer.” As a result, Chris accomplished his mission and walked across the stage to receive his diploma.
There wasn’t a dry eye in the house.
People
Chris later went on to start The Chris Norton Foundation, a charity geared towards raising money for others with spinal cord injuries. He found his new life mission of helping others, becoming a motivational speaker.
The two continued to reach out to others, taking five foster children into their home.
People
On the day of their wedding, Chris had set the goal of walking seven yards down the aisle, and with his new bride’s help, he did just that.
People
“To go from not being able to take a single step, to being able to smoothly walk seven yards….”
Chris’s perseverance and determination, and the love of his equally determined wife, has everyone cheering for them!
Twitter
The pair remain committed to making sure Chris is not part of the 3% who don’t regain movement, and they’re also committed to giving back as much as they can to the world they have come to love so much.
“Sometimes the world can seem dark and negative. We just want to be that light in the world to show that life is awesome and just don’t give up on life. Just lean on God, persevere, work hard, and just love on others.”
People
“Just keep saying yes,” Chris says as he gazes adoringly at Emily. “Just keep saying yes.”
Watch Chris and Emily take those incredible steps as man and wife in the video below, and be sure to share.
After being given a 3% chance to ever walk again, through determination and hard work, @chrisanorton16 walks his fiancée down the aisle at their wedding. Watch more on #PeopleFeatures: https://t.co/b8dy0Gp0ZX pic.twitter.com/F2WBGz7Jmn
– PeopleTV (@peopletv) April 25, 2018
Want to be happier in just 5 minutes a day? Sign up for Morning Smile and join over 455,000+ people who start each day with good news.