Chris miraculously walks the aisle with his wife, Emily.

Groom Told He Was Never to Walk Again, Surprises Everyone

Experiencing the most difficult challenges in life makes one person either become stronger or weaker.

Chris Norton was living his happy life.

Chris Norton

A talented football player, gifted with a lot of friends and doing well in school. Then tragedy happened, he got seriously injured in a game. He didn't have an idea what was going to happen when he walked on the field earlier that night.

“I was running down to make a tackle at kickoff after we scored a touchdown, and I made a diving tackle at his legs. I mistimed my jump just by a split second. Instead of getting my head in front of the legs of the ball carrier, my head collided right with his legs, and instantly, I lost all movement and feeling from my neck down.”

At that time, Chris parents were watching his game with the rest of the avid viewers and stared at the field as Chris lay there, not moving. He wanted to get up and was trying to push against the ground to move, but nothing was working. He was terrified and confused.

Chris suffered a spinal cord injury, fracturing his C3-C4 vertebrae.

His coaches and trainers immediately ran onto the field, and a helicopter was brought in. That’s when Chris knew his injuries were severe. 

When he got to the hospital, Doctors told Chris that he suffered a spinal cord injury, fracturing his C3-C4 vertebrae.
He needed to have surgery to try to correct it. Chris asked the doctor if he would ever walk again, the doctor said he wasn’t sure. So, Chris tried his best to do therapy.

Chris works hard at the gym to regain some of his strength.

After months of pain and hard work, Chris was able to move his toe. Chris tried to return to his normal life. He went back to college, and he decided he was ready to date. Though wasn’t sure he would ever find a girl who wanted to date him. He decided to try online dating, and that’s where he met Emily.

Emily wasn’t bothered by his disability, and the two had an instant bond.

Chris with Emily during his graduation.

Chris and Emily clicked and decided to get married. The two started planning a wedding. Chris wanted to walk down the aisle with Emily. And on their wedding day, Emily helped Chris reach that goal. 

The couple is now happily married and cares for five foster children.

Chris and Emily during an interview.

Chris then started the Chris Norton Foundation. A charity that was dedicated to helping other people with spinal cord injuries. Chris found purpose in helping others, but he was still determined to walk.

“Sometimes, the world can seem dark and negative. We just want to be that light in the world to show that life is awesome and just don’t give up on life. Just lean on God, persevere, work hard, and just love others.”

Finding Emily changed his life, and she makes him want to work hard to be a better husband and person. Having her at his side makes it more accessible and makes it all worth it.

“Love is the most common miracle.”

- John Green