WELLESLEY — This week is a serious milestone for a Fitchburg teen who was paralyzed in a hockey accident one yr in the past. Jake Thibeault has been decided by means of his restoration and even walked throughout the stage at his Milton Academy commencement within the spring. Now, he is at Babson Faculty.
“You look again now, Sunday marks a yr I laid in a hospital mattress not pondering I might be a freshman in faculty proper now and nonetheless having the ability to combat the combat, it feels good,” stated Thibeault.
It is a new chapter for Jake. The 19-year-old has come a good distance and is now in school.
Thibeault, a star hockey participant at Milton Academy, suffered a extreme spinal wire damage throughout a recreation that left him partially paralyzed.
“I’ve realized to cherish life,” he stated.
Jake’s choice to attend Babson has so much to do with Head Hockey Coach Jamie Rice.
“I wish to be there for him as a result of I really feel he is at all times there for me,” stated Rice.
“From day one of many damage, Coach has been there for me. I nonetheless have it on my cellphone, the inspirational quotes he despatched to me and helps me,” stated Thibeault.
“He conjures up me,” stated Rice. “Super braveness and plenty of humility.”
Jake stated the hockey crew together with the Babson group have already embraced him
“There’s at all times a hand to open a door or push me up the hill. So comparatively simple getting round campus,” Thibeault stated. “I really feel like I’ve 35 brothers that I did not have two weeks in the past.”
Jake arrived on campus final week, however his first day in Babson’s new Recreation and Athletic Heart was Tuesday. He is not fairly certain what his function on the hockey crew will likely be however he is aware of will probably be an necessary one.
“I’m amazed at what he can accomplish that I’m not going to restrict what he can do,” stated Rice. “A whole lot of it will rely upon his schedule,” Rice stated.
That schedule additionally consists of rehabbing three hours a day at Journey Ahead in Canton.
“Simply the opposite day I used to be in a position to swing my legs although and generate all the trouble I had and try to step,” stated Jake.
Steps he hopes to proceed to construct upon and encourage others alongside the way in which.
“I’m decided to stroll throughout right here largely alone.”
