66.0°,
Overcast and Breezy Nico’s second chance
Senior continues progress after May swimming accident
Despite the ordeal Nico Fiorello has faced over the last seven months, rehabbing from a serious swimming injury, his 18th birthday party last week was, for him, merely a day to celebrate becoming an adult.
That wasn’t the case for his mother, Lorraine, who used it as an opportunity to thank all those who helped her only child, whether it was in the immediate aftermath of his May 17 accident at Jones Beach, or during his months of recovery.
About 35 people gathered at Sal’s Place in North Massapequa on Dec. 2, as Nico became the first member of the Seaford High School senior class to turn 18. He was joined by family and friends, including those who were with him at the beach when he dived into a sandbar and broke his neck.
Injuries like the one Nico suffered have left many people paralyzed for life. Nico has defied the expectations of his doctors, and is walking again. He still has some paralysis on his right side, with a noticeable slump of his shoulder, and goes to physical therapy twice a week.
At school, he has an aide who helps him get around, but he no longer uses the elevator. Lorraine said that the school has been extremely accommodating, even letting Nico leave each class a few minutes early so he is not walking the halls through the crowds.
Despite his limitations, he said he is having a great senior year, which included being named Homecoming king. “I love it,” he said. “It’s the best. I couldn’t ask for a better support system.”
“He’s made such progress,” Lorraine said, noting that he is becoming increasingly independent as time goes on. “He doesn’t feel different anymore. My Nico is coming back.”
He has had to learn to write with his left hand until he regains the use of his right side. “My left arm has come in clutch,” he said.
While he missed his senior season of soccer, he is hoping to return to the lacrosse field in the spring. His father, Joseph, said Nico’s lacrosse stick and equipment bag have been in the back of his truck since before the accident, and will remain there until Nico takes them out for his first day of practice in March. “He’s a special kid,” Joseph said of Nico’s recovery. “He doesn’t take ‘no’ for an answer.”
