Injured Former Hoops Star Walks Back onto Court

After surviving a horrific  that left him with rib fractures and internal injuries, 19 year old Michael Canning, a former basketball player at , walked back onto the court Sunday.

Walking with a cane through the gymnasium door, Canning was a symbol of strength and perseverance. He returned to the school to attend a benefit to help with his medical costs.

A  student at Salve Regina University in Newport, Rhode, Island, Canning was involved in a car accident outside the Breakers Mansion in September. According to police records, Canning was behind the wheel with three other passengers in the car when the accident occurred. He was critically inured and had to fight for his life.

The accident would forever change his life and the road to recovery hasn't been easy. Canning spent three months in the Rhode Island Hospital before transferring to St. Charles Hospital in Port Jefferson. He attends physical therapy three times a week.

"I now walk with a cane and have braces on my legs," he said.

"I have to take a whole bunch of medications and rely on my parents a lot. My sense of freedom is gone but I have come a long way from the accident."

Canning' twin brother Sean who also attends Salve Regina University played in the benefit game, scoring 13 points. It was a nice change of pace from watching his brother's ordeal.

"It was tough," Sean said." I went to the hospital everyday to see my brother, it was very hard to focus on school with him in the hospital."

The whole family agreed that the overwhelming support from the community was amazing.

"This benefit is fantastic," said Canning's mother Vanessa.

"The Massapequa community is unbelievable. We receive bills coming to us everyday and this benefit helps."   Canning's progress has been steadily coming along according to the mother. "It's getting better. He isn't completely healed yet. Now that he is home, his mental [outlook] has gotten much better. His friends and family come to see him and it makes him feel good."

Determined to achieve his goals, Michael plans to return to Salve Regina University in the Fall, possibly majoring in criminal justice. "I want to attend some summer classes at Nassau Community College because I don't want to fall too far behind," he said.

The benefit organizers Massapequa High School Assistant Basketball Coaches Ed Felsch and John Grant and Head Basketball Coach Ed Tyas were eager to lend a helping hand.

"Massapequa is a family. Michael is a hard working kid. I was devastated by the news when Michael was hurt in the accident," Grant said." It was a horrible thing but thank God, Michael is a fighter. I'll do anything for Michael."

 "I have known Michael since he was in the seventh grade," said Tyas. "He was an all conference player and a tremendous shooter."

According to Felsch, there was no better way to bring former classmates together in a fun way and raise money than the basketball game. "The main goal is to raise money for Michael so he can get better," he said. I am happy to do this for him and his family."

Rob Von Bargen, Canning's friend since elementary school was thrilled to play in the game which raised $3,400 for Canning's medical costs.  A team made up of Massapequa players from 1990 -2005 beat a team of post 2006 graduates 88-86. "Michael doesn't give up," Von Bargen said. "When I first heard about the accident, I knew Mike would make it. He has tough skin."

In another effort to raise funds for Michael's medical care, Jeanne Senande, an organizer of  the "Fight for Mike Fundraiser"  sells bracelets and inspirational buttons. "So far, we have raised $4,000. My daughter Melissa and Michael went through the same school district together. Mike is a great guy," said Senande. To purchase a bracelet or button, visit www.testaverdefund.org or contact Jeanne at 516 297-4628.

For more information or to make a donation, visit www.michaelcanningtrustfund.com or www.caringbridge.com