Paralyzed Man Walks At Graduation For The 2nd Time — And He Isn’t Done Yet!

Aldo Amenta

If there’s one word to describe Aldo Amenta, it’s “limitless.”

In 2015, the Venezuelan international student had just stated classes at Florida International University when the unthinkable happened. One day while he was out swimming, Aldo dove into a shallow pool and broke his neck, leaving him paralyzed from the waist down.

Doctors told Aldo he’d never walk again, and his life changed completely in an instant. Grateful just to be alive, Aldo took some time off from his studies to work on his recovery, enlisting the help of physical trainer Guy Romain. It took some adjusting to rely on others for his daily activities, but Aldo learned to trust his trainer, the process, and his friends and family to get him through the tough times.

In 2018, Aldo inspired cheers from near and far when he walked across the graduation stage to accept his college diploma. To do so, he used an exoskeleton while Guy helped support him from behind.

Now, he’s done it again!

In 2021, Aldo once again donned his exoskeleton and enlisted Guy’s help to walk on his own two feet to accept his master’s degree in biomedical engineering. He called it “one of the biggest moments in my life,” and he hopes to use his new degree to expand and develop technologies to help people with special needs achieve mobility.

Aldo also wants to inspire others to never stop working toward their goals, no matter how unobtainable they may seem.

“I wanted to walk across the stage like my fellow graduates to show that we are all equally capable of achieving anything we set our minds to, regardless of background, culture, conditions, or age,” he stated. “Beyond degrees, titles, or awards, I believe that true accomplishment is found in the journey. Consistent commitment and discipline are key, but believing and taking action is a must. Believe in yourself and you will inevitably become limitless.”

Aldo is proving just how limitless he is every day! He is currently considering pursuing a doctorate and hopes to receive stem cell treatment or a stimulator device to help him walk on his own in the future. One thing is for sure: Aldo will never stop trying to take the next step toward a bright future!

Watch Aldo walking the graduation stage for the second time in the video below, and don’t forget to share this empowering story.

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