Nazareth fan takes first steps

FROM CHANNEL 69

NAZARETH, Pa. -
Determined to defy the odds, a Nazareth High School grad is inspiring people around him. At a pep rally today in Northampton County Nazareth students got to see firsthand the power of perseverance.

They call him Nazareth High School's number one fan. But today he gave them something to cheer about. Twenty-six year old Andy Weaver has cerebral palsy. He doesn't let it hold him back, but for the last ten years he's been dreaming of another way to get around.

"Wanted to get out of my wheelchair and walk like a person," explained Weaver.

Quick Clicks
69 News week in review
Nascar reading night at St. John...
Students rock to support terminally ill...
Casey to unveil natural gas proposal
Komen drops plan to cut Planned...Doctors said it wasn't possible. He'd been using the wheelchair for most of his life.

"We decided that we would just take one month at a time and make specific goals for each month," said Weaver's Physical Therapist Jolene Hammer.

Andy shattered every goal he was given, and after just six months was able to stand on his own. Supported by the team he supports the most, Andy took his first steps Friday.

To claps of encouragement, he slowly walked half the length of the gym.

"Really was a great feeling for me to be able to get out of my chair," said Weaver.

Andy will be in a wheelchair permanently, but now he has independence.

"This means everything, this is the world to him," said Andy's father Tom Weaver.

He says seeing Andy reaching for his dreams makes him proud and inspires him.

"With his attitude, he's always positive," he said. "Always positive, always a smile on his face."

Andy's smile didn't fade as he got up and walked for a second time. Proving you can do anything you set your mind to.

"Wanted to show them to keep going, never give up," said Andy.

He hopes his determination can be a lasting example.

http://www.wfmz.com/news/Nazareth-fan-takes-first-steps/-/121458/8595072/-/8lmnx2/-/index.html