Firefighter Injured In Skim Boarding Accident Returns Home
HOLLYWOOD (CBS4) - After a seven month recovery from a skim boarding accident, a Hollywood firefighter returned home in a wheelchair, but he knows it's only temporary.
It's that determination that pushed Avilez through the recovery from his near-death experience after a flip on a skim board landed him on his head, breaking his neck.
On Wednesday Avilez wheeled out of the hospital with his wife Priscilla by his side and one of their children in his arms.
When a reporter asked Derek what his plans were for the future he answered, "Walking brother, I'll be walking."
He said that the first thing he wants to do when he gets home is, "smell what a house smells like again and eat a plate of black beans, rice and churrasco."
After his long absence from home, the most important thing for Avilez is the presence of his children.
"Six months being in bed, away from family every night… That's rough," he said. "I basically left for 6 months and my kids really didn't understand."
Avilez's homecoming would not have been the same without his fellow firefighters. The story may have ended differently if it wasn't for the fire department's quick response.
On the afternoon of September 30th, Avilez was enjoying his day off with his wife and three children at Hollywood Beach where the accident occurred.
"I remember floating in the water and trying to turn over but I couldn't," said Avilez. "I was paralyzed."
Priscilla rushed to him, pulled him from the water and started CPR. Ironically, several of Derek's fellow firefighters were doing the beach training and rushed to help.
Wednesday he showed that he can move his arms, legs, head and he can breathe without support.
"It's a miracle that I can breathe on my own," he said. "(It's) so awesome to be able to not depend on a machine to breathe for you."
Avilez powers his wheelchair with his mouth and has regained the confidence he needed to overcome such a devastating accident.
He said the doctors told him that, "if his toes work, you walk," and Avilez promises to make that happen.
Avilez also wants to return to his passion – firefighting.
Although he is aware of the long road he has travelled and the one he continues to face, Avilez said he has never felt sorry for himself and that his faith has guided him through.
"I know all this happened for a reason," said Avilez. "I can't wait to find out what that reason is."
