OVERLAND PARK, Kan. — A Blue Valley High School teen missed his graduation, so his friends and family threw him a party they hope he never forgets on Sunday.
Alex Fraser was in a surfing accident that paralyzed him while on vacation. For months, he was in a Colorado rehabilitation center. Now he’s home and while he gets used to his new normal, his family and friends did something to make sure he knows he’s not alone.
“We love you Alex!” friends chanted.
A party to celebrate his education, all without knowing that Alex has taught all of the people in attendance something too.
“He’s shown us a lot, what one person can give,” one classmate said.
His is a sort of strength you don’t come across every day, but the road here wasn’t an easy one.
“It was terrifying,” Fraser said.
Alex, a skilled swimmer, was riding a wave in Mexico. He injured his spinal cord and was paralyzed when he came back up.
“It feels like a dream. Almost feels like a nightmare, more than reality,” he explained.
Ever since, his days have been filled with rigorous therapy. He was far from home, but stayed connected with his community through Facebook.
“When he was in Colorado, several people would comment on Facebook. Several people would send him letters, several would call,” Alex’s mom, Chris Fraser, said.
But now, those encouraging acts are in the form of hugs and laughs.
“The only words I can say are thank you,” Alex said.
“It brings it all to reality for him. Like yes, they really are here for me,” Chris Fraser said.
The physical therapy is instrumental, sure, but there’s a type of happiness intertwined throughout these messages.
“We went through a lot as kids, we’ll get through this together, too,” a classmate said.
That keeps him pushing.
“You’ve got this. You’ve got it Alex. I know you and you’ve got it.”
Doctor’s haven’t given a specific prognosis to Alex. He’s already surprised them by gaining strength in his arms. In the coming months, he plans on hitting physical therapy hard and starting college in August.
