Lake Braddock Pitcher Paralyzed

Nick Balenger, a pitcher with the 2012 state champion Lake Braddock baseball team, was paralyzed from the shoulders down in a swimming accident while in Maui, reported NBC4 Washington.

On Tuesday, two bus-loads of supporters greeted Balenger as he was transferred to MedStar National Rehabilitation Hospital in northwest Washington, D.C.

According to NBC4, Balenger landed badly while attempting a flip in the ocean on a family vacation to his birthplace. 

According to information on Caring Bridge, Nick has had two surgeries to stabilize his neck. The last surgery fused his C-4 and C-5 vertebrae. He has movement in his arms and sensation in his lower extremities.

Nick's mother Sylvie reports the family saw Nick move his knees on Sunday.  “We really hadn’t seen any movement from the chest down since the accident happened,” she told NBC4. “He started moving both knees. I saw it myself, so it’s a great sign … We hope it’s just the beginning of his recovery.”

After receiving inquiries about donations, the family has established a fund at Northwest Federal Credit Union (NWFCU) to assist with uncovered medical expenses and home modifications to accommodate Nick when he ultimately returns home.

NWFCU can receive checks at any branch, or they may be mailed to:

Northwest Federal Credit Union

Nick Balenger SCI Recovery Fund

P.O. Box 1229

Herndon, VA 20172-8901