NEENAH, Wis. (WFRV) We're hearing more and more about the number of injuries related to winter sports, like skiing and snowboarding. A Wautoma teen is one of the latest victims. After strapping on a snowboard for the first time in January, 16-year old Luke Widowski could have never predicted the outcome: "I just ended up going through the air, upside down. Just landed on my neck." The aftermath left Luke wondering if he'd ever walk again.
Two vertebrae were removed. Metal plates were inserted to stabilize Luke's neck. It took weeks for the teen to regain control of his arms. Neurosurgeon Tom Wascher says cases like this are rare but the frequency of spinal cord injuries - especially among young men - are on the rise. "You can see the bones have been completely disrupted at this level - the spinal cord has been crushed by those bone fragments," he said. "Working with the rehab doctors at Theda Clark gives him every opportunity to regain as much function as possible."
Luke spends 3 hours a day in intense physical therapy. "I know it's possible. And I know god can help me. I know I have to work hard." But despite his situation, Luke says it hasn't deterred him from extreme sports when - not if - he walks again. "You have to be cautious and understand the risk, but I wouldn't tell anyone not to go on a snowboard because of what happened."
Friends and family members are putting on a benefit to help raise money for Luke's care. It will be from 4 until 8 Saturday afternoon at the Wautoma World War II Center.
