WELLESLEY — This week is a significant milestone for a Fitchburg teen who was paralyzed in a hockey accident one yr in the past. Jake Thibeault has been decided by his restoration and even walked throughout the stage at his Milton Academy commencement within the spring. Now, he is at Babson School.
“You look again now, Sunday marks a yr I laid in a hospital mattress not considering I’d be a freshman in faculty proper now and nonetheless with the ability to battle the battle, it feels good,” stated Thibeault.
It is a new chapter for Jake. The 19-year-old has come a great distance and is now at school.
Thibeault, a star hockey participant at Milton Academy, suffered a extreme spinal wire harm throughout a recreation that left him partially paralyzed.
“I’ve realized to cherish life,” he stated.
Jake’s determination to attend Babson has loads 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 harm, 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 evokes me,” stated Rice. “Super braveness and a whole lot of humility.”
Jake stated the hockey staff together with the Babson neighborhood 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 Middle was Tuesday. He is not fairly certain what his position on the hockey staff can be however he is aware of it will likely 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. “Lots of it will rely on 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 capable of 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 best way.
“I’m decided to stroll throughout right here largely by myself.”
