Juan Hernandez, a groom who defied the grim prognosis of a three percent chance of walking again after a spinal cord injury, took his first steps down the aisle on his wedding day, filling the hearts of all who witnessed his remarkable feat with hope and inspiration. The story of his unwavering determination and the love that carried him through has captured the attention of people far and wide.
In December 2020, Juan’s life changed forever when a tragic accident during a boat trip with friends resulted in a broken neck on his C5 and C6 vertebrae, leaving him paralyzed from the chest down. The doctors’ prognosis was bleak, offering him a mere 3 percent chance of ever being able to walk again.
But Juan was determined that fate wouldn’t leave him broken. Through sheer determination and relentless effort, he began reclaiming his independence. Simple tasks like moving, eating, and brushing his teeth became small victories on his road to recovery. And then in January, he faced his ultimate challenge – walking down the aisle at his wedding to his fianceé, Valeria Esponda, supported only by his own strength.
Photo courtesy of Valeria Hernandez
The church was filled with joy, and quite a few tears, as Juan and Valeria walked hand-in-hand, surrounded by their loved ones and the doctors who had supported them throughout their journey. Valeria’s words reflected the awe and wonder of the moment:
It felt surreal; it was a dream come true. He is my biggest blessing, and that moment with him was priceless.”
For Juan, the walk down the aisle was a moment of triumph, and he compared it to performing at the Super Bowl. “The true story here is that Val answered the call and proved why I wanted to marry her and why I want to be with her forever. She really showed me love on a level I’ve never seen before.” He said his love for Valeria, as well as her unwavering support, played a pivotal role in his recovery.
The emotional scene at the wedding showcased the power of love and the impact of a strong support system. Juan’s father, Juan Carlos Hernandez, expressed his admiration for the couple’s unwavering commitment:
They have redefined the word love and commitment. We as adults have a lot to learn from our children.”
Dr. Jose Lozada, Juan’s doctor from Broward Health in Florida, was astonished by the progress Juan had made, calling it “remarkable” and “absolutely remarkable.”
Juan and Valeria’s story serves as a reminder of the indomitable human spirit. It is a testament to the strength that can be found in love, perseverance, and faith. As they continue their journey as husband and wife, they are grateful for the little things in life that we often take for granted. Valeria shared her newfound appreciation, saying, “Being able to wake up in the morning. Being able to walk. Being able to do things for yourself. Life can be so fragile.”
Photo courtesy of Valeria Hernandez
Their wedding day marked not only the beginning of their life together as a married couple but also a testament to their resilience and the power of their love. Having overcome immense challenges, they are ready to face whatever comes their way. Valeria expressed her optimism for the future, saying, “Now that we’ve faced what I hope is our biggest challenge, I’m ready for children.”
What an extraordinary story that shows the power of love when facing adversity. As Juan said, “It’s crazy how life can change. Two years ago, I was paralyzed, in a bed. Things were down. Today, I am marrying the love of my life. Things are up right now. Thank God.”
Watch below for Juan’s amazing recovery!
Sources: Happily News | CBS News | WSVN
