Doctors told me I could never walk, but my football team made me feel like I could fly
CBC
This First Person column is written by Dylan Earis, a graduate of the University of Regina's school of journalism. For more information about First Person stories, see the FAQ.
It was Nov. 8, 2000 and I was seven. I was wheeled into the operating room at Regina General Hospital for surgery on my legs. I clutched my stuffed Franklin the Turtle and my mom walked beside me.
I was so scared.
I thought I was going to die.
The reason for the surgery was simple. It was going to give me the ability to stand on my own.
I was born with cerebral palsy. Due to the disability, I wasn't able to walk or even stand up on my own. Although the surgery would enable me to stand, it wasn't going to take care of the most pressing issue. It would not help me walk.
The doctors made sure I understood this. They told me over and over again that I wouldn't be walking.
I was determined to prove them wrong.
Flash forward to Sept. 1, 2002, and I was seated in front of my TV watching the Labour Day Classic between the Saskatchewan Roughriders and Winnipeg Blue Bombers.
What I'd been through in the past two years was the farthest thing from my mind.
I was focused on the game and Roughriders' quarterback Rocky Butler.
The talk leading up to the game centred around how the Roughriders could not possibly beat the mighty Blue Bombers with Butler leading the charge.
Fans everywhere were doubting Butler and were sure there was no way the Riders could win this game.
I can still see the play as if it were yesterday.
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