COBB COUNTY, Ga. — A Cobb County man who was nearly paralyzed while on vacation wants to share his story in order to help others.
Hugo Morales and his family were supposed to return from Puerto Rico weeks ago, but still can’t come home because of his injuries.
Morales was on vacation with his wife and two kids. The family visited a trampoline park when the accident happened. Morales told Channel 2's Carol Sbarge he attempted a trick with a staff member nearby and landed on his neck.
"The moment I heard that crack, my immediate reaction was to move my fingers, move my toes," he said.
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Morales has endured two surgeries that lasted about seven hours each, but he’s thankful he wasn’t paralyzed. Doctors said an inch closer in either direction could have been devastating.
"As much as I know I could have been paralyzed, I try not to think about it because that's something that becomes very depressing for me," Morales said.
Family, friends and the community have come together to support him. The Latin dance community he's part of has started a fundraising campaign. If you'd like to contribute, click here.
"I know how lucky I am, and I just want to thank God and thank my family and thank the doctors and everybody who has provided me with the love and attention."
He’s facing weeks of additional recovery, and tells Sbarge he can’t wait to return home to Smyrna.
"I'm very anxious. You know home is where the heart is right so I can't wait to get home and be able to lay down in my own bed."
Morales is hoping doctors will clear him to fly so he can return to work in early August.
Cox Media Group
