News Summary

AJ Presto, a courageous teen from Port Dickinson, is determined to attend his graduation despite life-changing challenges after a swimming accident left him paralyzed. Over the past year, he has undergone multiple surgeries and has received overwhelming support from his community. AJ’s journey reflects resilience and the profound impact of community support as he looks forward to embracing life after high school.

Port Dickinson Teen Overcomes Tragedy to Celebrate Graduation

Port Dickinson, N.Y. – It’s been a year filled with ups and downs for local resident AJ Presto, a brave teen who faced life-changing challenges after a swimming accident left him paralyzed. As graduation approaches, AJ is determined to make the most out of his special day, proving that resilience and community support can make a world of difference.

The Unthinkable Accident

The fateful day was June 14, 2024, and for 17-year-old AJ, it was the last day of junior year at Chenango Valley High School. Excited and buzzing with school spirit, AJ dove through a pool tube during a fun-filled pool party, but disaster struck when the tube shifted unexpectedly. This caused him to break his neck, leaving him in a fight for survival.

Thanks to the quick actions of four friends at the pool, AJ was rescued and immediately transported to the hospital by paramedics. What followed was a grueling nine-hour surgery on his spinal cord, during which doctors encountered significant complications, leading to heart-stopping moments where they feared for his life. Yet, AJ’s will to survive shone through.

A Year of Healing

Over the past year, AJ has spent 28 days in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) and three months at a rehabilitation facility in Baltimore. He has undergone a total of nine surgeries, each a testament to his determination to overcome every hurdle life has thrown at him. His mother, Sarah Presto, who has years of experience as a former hospice social worker, has watched her son navigate emotional pain that she herself had never witnessed before, demonstrating the extraordinary strength of a family in crisis.

Community Comes Together

It’s no secret that AJ’s journey has been made a bit lighter by the overwhelming support from the Port Dickinson community. Friends and neighbors stepped up in remarkable ways, organizing fundraisers and providing moral support to AJ and his family throughout the past year. This experience led AJ to recognize the profound impact of community, a belief he had previously taken for granted. His “Presto Strong” Facebook page became a source of inspiration, showcasing just how much love and encouragement can help one heal.

Looking Ahead

As graduation day looms closer, AJ has shifted his focus to regaining his independence and learning how to embrace life beyond his challenges. After recently attending his senior prom and celebrating his 18th birthday, he began to feel the excitement of not just being part of the graduation but actually participating in the ceremony. Initially hesitant about attending graduation—questioning if it was worth it—he soon recognized that the support from his peers and his community was stronger than he had imagined.

The Emotional Graduation

AJ is ready to don his cap and gown, a symbol of his hard work and perseverance. While he continues to tackle physical barriers, he finds joy in making mental and social strides as well. The upcoming graduation ceremony won’t just be a marker of the end of high school; it will symbolize the beginning of a new life chapter for AJ, filled with possibilities and a strong support system that has his back.

As graduation approaches, Port Dickinson is eagerly awaiting to see what the future holds for AJ Presto, a true embodiment of courage, and resilience. His journey serves as a heartfelt reminder that even in the toughest times, the power of community can lift us back up.

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