Boy recovering from tree branch accident takes some of his first steps

ATLANTA — Almost two months after a rotted tree fell on Tristen Wilson, the 5-year-old is now in rehab and taking his first steps.

Channel 2's Wendy Corona watched the milestone  at Children's Healthcare of Atlanta at Scottish Rite.

After a warm-up and the build-up, came the time to race. It was a foot race with a Dr. Hudson. There was a sticker on Tristen’s stronger right side and a Lightning McQueen one on his left foot.  If you know the movie “Cars,” then you know that Lightning McQueen wins. Tristen’s rehab was no different.

“I know if he can pick them legs up and move them forward, it’s only a matter of time until he’s outrunning me” said Tristen’s father, Ron Saint.

It’s amazing progress from when a tree fell on Tristen in Walton County on Aug. 9, to now.

“We got a good ways to go, but he can do it,” Saint said.

Tristen showed his determination in each exercise he does.

Having suffered a traumatic brain injury, his family is extremely overjoyed at the pace of his recovery.

“Boy, he took a heckuva whack and you know, it's going take some time for that to come back. I'm just proud that he's doing as good as he's doing. I'm prou,” Saint said.

It’s a big milestone that Tristen will likely celebrate through Saturday, his sixth birthday.

Tristen is expected to spend between three to four weeks at Scottish Rite.

WSBTV