My father-in-law had a serious spinal injury from a fall in a docks area at night. I went to the spinal treatment hospital every weekend for many months, so I have seen a lot of patients come and go in that time; so the world of spinal injury was not new to me.
Anyone doing a dangerous sport is at greater risk than others, but I remember one guy of about 50 who fell off a 3-step ladder changing a home lightbulb, who snapped his spine. I don't judge those who get injured.
Paul Basagoitia had a bad fall in a pro-BMX event, and he might have never walked again, the film captured his struggles from day 1 to 2 years, overlayed with stories told by many other spinal injury sufferers. Every step of the way we saw him make a huge effort to improve each muscle, from not being able to move his legs or stand at all, even with help, to brace-supports & walking frame to make baby-steps onward. The different treatments he received were well presented (many of which would not be affordable in the USA by an average person), Paul was not left on the street, unlike many, he had a huge network of fans who helped support him. His progress to be able to make a life with far more movement than might have been, was truly inspiring, but I can't help thinking how it would have been a tragedy and not a success if he was a poor guy without good financial backup. The USA is not a place for poor people to get injuries that need long-term treatment.
0 out of 0 found this helpful.
Was this review helpful? Sign in to vote.
Permalink