Brother Trains Teen With Cerebral Palsy To Walk Before Graduation

PALATINE, IL — A 19-year-old from Palatine with ataxic cerebral palsy isn't letting his diagnosis keep him from reaching his goal of walking across the stage at his high school graduation, even though he and his family were told he'd never stand on his own two feet, according to WGN. When Matthew Downing was six weeks old, his parents learned his diagnosis and were told he would always be in a wheelchair, the news outlet said. Though Downing told WGN he remembers being angry about his limitations, he chose to defy the odds early on.

Matthew decided in the fifth grade he wasn't going to be in another Halloween parade at school in a wheelchair, and on Halloween morning was up using a walker, thanks to his determination and indomitable spirit. High school soon arrived, and WGN said Matthew moved on from a walker and utilized arm canes, despite being told he'd never be able to walk without help. However, his older brother Michael Downing told the news outlet this wasn't entirely true. The teen's brother isn't a doctor or physical therapist, but was able to convince Matthew it was possible to achieve his goal of walking on his own, making the nearly 40-foot journey on his graduation stage, WGN reported.

About two months ago, the pair started working out at a local gym, training every day to reach that goal. Matthew's brother was the person who saw him walk for the first time, not a physical therapist or medical professional, WGN reported, adding that Matthew described the moment as "amazing." The two now practice walking a 40-foot gym mat every day, and the teen's older brother told WGN he thinks it's brought them closer together.