Student Rises From Wheelchair, Walks Across Stage At Graduation

25-year-old Sam Bridgman stunned the audience at the University of South Florida during the graduation ceremony, by leaving his wheelchair and walking across the stage to receive two master’s degrees. Friedreich’s ataxia, a rare disorder left him wheelchair bound when he was 18. The life shortening condition mainly affects the nervous system and the heart, resulting the loss of coordination from the toes to the fingertips. This heartwarming video shows Bridgman walking to the stage with the help of his friends as the room erupts in applause. This brave man wants to dedicate his career as an advocate for ataxia sufferers by raising funds for the Friedreich’s Ataxia Research Alliance.

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