On the road to recovery

The new school year begins in two weeks in Seaford, and Nico Fiorello is planning to walk into the high school, on his own, for the start of his senior year.

Nico, 17, was seriously injured in a swimming accident at Jones Beach on May 17. He broke every bone in his neck after accidently diving into a sand bar, and damaged his spinal cord.

After two surgeries, two weeks in the hospital and nine weeks of rehab at the Kessler Rehabilitation Center in New Jersey, he is back at home. “It never felt so good to be home in my entire life,” he said, adding that his spirits are higher since he has returned to familiar surroundings.

His family’s house on Marion Court has been modified because his mobility is limited. A ramp has been built to the front door, a special sink and toilet have been installed in the first-floor bathroom, and the dining room has been converted to his bedroom since he cannot climb stairs. His mother, Lorraine Fiorello, said more modifications are coming to ensure that the house is fully accessible.

“Homes were not built to be handicapped accessible,” she said, explaining that certain changes had to be made before Nico could come home. “They give you a modification plan, and you have to follow it.”

Nico is slowly regaining movement in his limbs, and is now able to walk with the assistance of a walker. He is also able to get up out of a wheelchair on his own. All these milestones are moving him toward his goal of walking into school in September and having a normal senior year.

He will not be able to play soccer in the fall, but is holding out hope that he can play lacrosse in the spring.

Nico did lose out on a summer of visiting colleges, as his mother noted that several trips had been planned. The accident has him considering a major in either biology or physical and occupational therapy.

“They were the best,” he said of the doctors and therapists have cared for him over the past three months. “I don’t think I could have gotten any better care.”

He credits them, along with the support of his family, friends and the entire community, for his speedy recovery.