A paralyzed veteran who has beat the odds after being given a small chance to walk again, is taking steps to make sure others can do the same.
Using an exoskeleton, Bryce Cherry Holmes will complete a 5K to raise money that will get this device to other veterans like him.
Cherry Holmes said with the help of his exoskeleton, he gets to do things people normally take for granted, like helping his wife with chores or playing with his children and now, he is making sure other veterans like him can do the same.
With Marines behind him and a mission in mind, Cherry Holmes tackles the impossible, walking while paralyzed.
“Don’t let people tell you can’t do something, find a way around it, over it, under it, get past it and don’t let the trials and tribulations define you,” Cherry Holmes said.
He didn’t let his injury define him, even when doctors told him he only had a 5 percent chance to ever walk again.
The suit he wears is game-changing for him.
“Having it allows me to do more in the home and out in the environment like this. I’m able to go out, do more with my kids as they are outside walking around with them, messing with them, playing with them, everything in between, but I wasn’t able to that before in my wheelchair,” he said.
Step-by-step, he is making sure his brothers and sisters in arms know about the technology sooner than he did.
“I always look back and say to myself 'What if I would have known that this device was available right after it happened to me? What if I had the opportunity to get into one? Where would I be at right now?,” he said.
Over the next two days, Cherry Holmes plans to complete a 5k at the Memorial Gardens to raise money in hopes of getting this in the hands of another veteran.
His goal is to raise $1,000 for every kilometer he walks and inspire others to never give up on their dreams, and to never backing down from a challenge.
“No matter what comes your way period, keep pushing forward period, to your next steps always,” he said.
Cherry Holmes said all the funds raised will go to SoldierStrong, the nonprofit that helped him with his suit.