Princeton H.S. Grad Walks For The First Time In 7 Years

PRINCETON, NJ — High school graduation marks a special moment in the lives of both students and their parents. It’s the end of a journey and the beginning of a new life. For one family, Princeton High School’s graduation Wednesday night was extra special.

It marked the first time in seven years Derek DiGregorio was able to walk.

DiGregorio, who suffers from a rare neurological disease called ataxia telangiectasia, has been confined to a wheelchair for seven years, according to nj.com. However, on Wednesday night, DiGregorio was able to use an Ekso Bionics exoskeleton and the help of his brother, Aaron, to walk across the stage and receive his diploma.

He received a standing ovation and held his arm up in triumph after walking across the stage and hearing his name called to receive his diploma. It was documented in a Facebook video posted by his father, Steve DiGregorio, on the Derek’s Dreams Facebook page.

“No words can express our love and gratitude to those who made this happen,” Steve DiGregorio wrote in the post. “Watching Aaron help Derek get his diploma is just overwhelming - God is good!”

Ataxia telangiectasia is a disease that attacks a number of organs, and generally leaves those who suffer from it in wheelchairs by the time they reach their teenage years. It affects 1 out of 40,000 children, and 1 out of 100,000 people overall worldwide.

A video of Wednesday night's graduation is posted below. Derek DiGregorio receives his diploma at the 2:35.00 mark.

Attached image and video courtesy YouTube