Sask. teen defying the odds as he recovers from severe spinal cord injury

Sandy Cooper-Black, 16, was injured in a rodeo on December 30. He broke his neck and had to have emergency surgery. Sandy is in the 5% chance of feeling in his legs or arms again. Ryan Straschnitzki visited Sandy at school and inspired him to play Paralympic sledge hockey. He had a tracheotomy. The operation was successful. It was a scary 24 hours. They took out the tubes and he is now breathing on his own. His mom, Glenice, is very happy. She is optimistic.

Sandy and his family live on a ranch between Maple Creek and Consul, SK. They have received a lot of support from all over the world. A GoFundMe page has raised more than $60,000. Colter Wall will donate all proceeds from music sales to Sandy's recovery. Ryan Straschnitzki visited Sandy in hospital on Monday. Sandy’s dad, uncle and family friends were killed in a plane crash 12 years ago. The Cooper-Black family is staying at the Ronald MacDonald house in Calgary while Sandy is in the hospital. The money will go towards rehabilitation, home renovations and medical devices.

Sask. teen Sandy has a severe spinal cord injury. Sandy wants to regain use of his arms so he can function a wheelchair like Ryan Straschnitzki. He wants his story to inspire other kids who may go through a similar injury in the future.