Student Rises From Wheelchair, Walks Across Stage At Graduation

25-year-old Sam Bridgman stunned the audience at the University of South Florida during the graduation ceremony, by leaving his wheelchair and walking across the stage to receive two master’s degrees. Friedreich’s ataxia, a rare disorder left him wheelchair bound when he was 18. The life shortening condition mainly affects the nervous system and the heart, resulting the loss of coordination from the toes to the fingertips. This heartwarming video shows Bridgman walking to the stage with the help of his friends as the room erupts in applause. This brave man wants to dedicate his career as an advocate for ataxia sufferers by raising funds for the Friedreich’s Ataxia Research Alliance.

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Verse of the Day

“To them God willed to make known what are the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles: which is Christ in you, the hope of glory. Him we preach, warning every man and teaching every man in all wisdom, that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus.”

Colossians 1:27-28