By Frank Sinatra, AAP Editor
A Pennsauken native who hopes to follow in his family’s footsteps and become a firefighter, came back to his parents’ home to continue his recovery after a serious spinal injury.
Gary Lyons, 32, who grew up in town and is a proud member of Pennsauken High School’s Class of 2008, is a member of the Sixers Dunk Squad. Both his father and uncle were members of the Camden Fire Department; following in their footsteps, Gary was scheduled to graduate from the Camden County Fire Academy this month and continue the family tradition of public service. That was before he suffered a serious neck injury after a freak accident while playing basketball in late May.
“I suffered a crushed C5 spine playing basketball, a freak accident landing on the back of my neck,” stated Lyons via his Instagram account. “This experience has been ALOT to say the least, with many challenges and obstacles ahead. If you know me, failure is not an option.”
After surgery at Cooper Medical Center, doctors stated that he may not walk again. Lyons, who believes “I can’t” is not an option, made amazing strides at Magee Rehabilitation Hospital.
“I progressed faster than everyone expected, including myself,” said Lyons. “Doctors told me I wouldn’t be able to walk, but I canceled that two weeks into my therapy.”
And on June 29, first responders from both Camden and Pennsauken, as well members of the Sixers Entertainment Squad, welcomed Lyons back from rehab. Gary returned to his family’s home to recuperate to cheers, applause, quite a few tears, and kisses from his dog, Cooper.
“It was a wash of emotions and tears. I wasn’t expecting this,” said Lyons. “It really means a lot. Words can’t express it.”
Lyons is focused on his recovery and is committed to his therapy.
“First is my health, to make sure everything is good on that front, getting my hands and motor skills better, walking and everything,” explained Lyons. “Then I’ll get back to the fire department and also work with my Sixers family as well.
A GoFundMe campaign has been setup by his family to help defray medical costs. To donate, visit https://gofund.me/d0dae9fc.
