Today, Miller Children’s & Women’s Hospital celebrated a milestone that seemed impossible just months ago: 15-year-old scholar-athlete and water polo standout Alessandro (“Sandro”) Apuzzo walked out of the hospital doors after a devastating Fourth of July diving accident left him paralyzed.
Sandro sustained a severe spinal cord injury with burst fractures to his C5–C7 vertebrae, in the lower neck near the shoulders, and Sandro’s journey has been nothing short of extraordinary. He underwent trauma care and neurosurgical halo vest stabilization—a device used to immobilize the cervical spine for healing—followed by months of intensive inpatient rehabilitation. His determination, combined with the expertise of Miller Children’s & Women’s multidisciplinary care team, turned what doctors call a “miracle” into reality.
“I refuse to spend the rest of my life in a wheelchair,” said Sandro. “After being paralyzed and relying on everyone for everything, I’m finally getting my freedom back today.”
Before his accident, Sandro was a scholar-athlete training for water polo at the 6-8 Academy, 908 Water Polo Club, and Shore Aquatics. He loves the outdoors—surfing, climbing, and bodyboarding—and dreams of returning to the water and hiking the 14 great peaks of the world. Today’s walkout marks a major step toward that goal.
“People can come to work and do their job, but there is something special about Miller Children’s & Women’s Hospital. They’ve come together not only for Sandro’s medical needs, but also his social and academic needs,” said Jacqueline Apuzzo, Sandro’s mother. “The little things matter—from the front desk greeting us by name to housekeeping knowing who he is. It truly reflects how the hospital runs and the culture here.”
The celebration included a surprise gift: a signed jersey from quarterback Matthew Stafford for the lifelong Rams fan. With Zeta, the Miller Children’s & Women’s beloved therapy dog, by his side, Sandro stood from his wheelchair and took his first steps toward the hospital doors, greeted by cheering family, friends, teammates, and care team members waving colorful signs and pom-poms.
Walking out just before Thanksgiving isn’t just symbolic, it’s a powerful reminder of resilience, gratitude and the gift of second chances. For those inspired by Sandro’s story and wishing to give back, donations can be made at millerchildrens.org/give.