In 2009, Kent was involved in a motocross accident which resulted to paralysis from his chest down
The groom underwent an experimental procedure where an electrical implant was placed on his spine
Kent needed almost a month before he was able to stand after the procedure
He was able to stand as he married Misti during a magical wedding ceremony on March 12 at Elk Meadow Game Ranch in De Kalb, Texas
DE KALB, Texas – No eyes were dry during Misti and Kent Stephenson’s wedding especially when the paralyzed groom stood on his feet — thanks to a spinal implant.
The couple were introduced by Kent’s cousin and Misti’s best friend, Jesi Beck, back in college. The two started dating in 2009, and just after four months, Kent was involved in a motocross accident that resulted to his paralysis from the chest down to his feet.
“There have been several moments when I realized Misti was the one,” Kent said.
“We have experienced so many challenges together in life, and we always overcome them — together,” Kent added.
Gillian Mohney mentioned in her article for ABC News published on March 18 that Kent underwent an experimental procedure where an electrical implant was placed on his spine.
The procedure was made possible by the Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation and the University of Louisville.
The spinal implants will transmit low electrical currents to stimulate the nerves and help paralyzed patients to stand.
Thanks to the implant, the therapy from Frazier Rehab and a custom-built frame for support made by MS Custom Welding, Kent was able to stand as he married Misti during a magical wedding ceremony on March 12 at Elk Meadow Game Ranch in De Kalb, Texas.
“When my wife turned the corner and started walking down the aisle toward me, it just overwhelmed me with emotions,” Kent said.
“[It] gave me such a feeling of achievement to be able to stand there while she was walking toward me,” he added as quoted by Carolin Lehmann in her article for the Huffington Post published on March 25.
The groom was able to stand for the wedding ceremony, and more especially, during the couple’s first dance as husband and wife.
“My favorite part of the wedding was being able to dance with my husband, something I never thought would be possible,” Misti said.
The groom needed almost a month before he was able to stand after the procedure and it also helped him recover critical bowel, bladder and sexual functions.
Kent said his goal was never to stand or step. Rather, he said his goal was to help shape the research so that others can join him “and we can get out of these chairs. Everyone deserves to stand on their wedding day and exchange vows with their loved one,” he added.
It’s truly inspiring to know of people who refuse to be defeated by challenges such as Kent here.