There’s a saying that goes, “The only true champion is that one that gets back up even when he thinks he can’t.” Ronan Nelson could not be a more perfect example of this.

On April 7, 2012 Ronan Nelson’s day started out relatively normal. He got up and got ready for a rugby game he was playing in later that day with his club rugby team.

A little ways through the game, Ronan’s life changed forever. In one play gone wrong, Ronan was tackled and his C5, C6 and C7 vertebrae were crushed, causing a spinal cord injury.

During a surgery to try and repair the trauma done to his vertebrae, Ronan had a stroke causing temporary blindness. Although he regained his sight, he is still paralyzed from the middle of his chest and down.

When asked what the long term affects of this injury are Ronan said, “I will not be able to play any contact sports in the future. Although I am paralyzed from the chest down, with time, and lots of physical therapy, I plan to walk again.”

“I want to say thank you to the Cathedral Community for their continued support in my recovery,” said Ronan, “I am grateful for all the prayers and support my family and I have received from everyone during this tough time.”