Isaac Pfeifer's Road to Recovery
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Instead of math and science class every day the high school senior is pushing himself through intense physical therapy. Video by kmtv.com
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His Norfolk Catholic jersey hangs high in this room. Isaac Pfeifer's love for the game hasn't left his heart.
On every wall, inspiration. Isaac is surrounded by photos, posters and cards.
"Makes me feel really good cause I know that, let's me know that people care."
It's the motivation he needs to adjust to his new life.
"I'm always determined to get better each day. Get more independent so I don't have to have people helping me every day."
Instead of math and science class every day the high school senior is pushing himself through intense physical therapy.
Learning to do the simple things again, is Isaac's homework.
"I'd say the first two months were pretty challenging."
A life altering tackle. The November playoff game against Fort Calhoun changed everything for Isaac.
"I was thinking it was just like a, my nerves were just in shock or something. That eventually everything would come back."
His father Neil, can't understand what went wrong.
"We've looked at the play so many times, it certainly wasn't a play that should have resulted in this."
Like so many times before, Isaac went in for the tackle.
"It seemed like I laid there forever on the field."
A spinal injury left Isaac paralyzed from the chest down.
"They never take away the hope, they make sure that we understand it's a long road. Recovery can take a couple years", adds Neil Pfeifer.
At the Madonna Rehab Hospital in Lincoln Isaac works hard to keep his spirit up.
"If I can't do something, I don't let that get me down. Cause I heard that you have to keep a positive attitude to make more progress."
A driving simulator helps him learn how to use his hands again. The progress he's made over the last two months is incredible.
"I can use my cell phone, hold silverware and use a remote, which is pretty important, haha."
Most of Isaac's strength gain is in his upper body, but his hope to walk again is still strong.
"The therapists are pretty pushy, always on my case to work harder."
Isaac's dad, is proud.
"Proud of your son? I am very proud of my son. Just his determination. What he does and how he handles himself."
Although Isaac faces a tough road and some of his plans will have to change, he still loves the game. That will never change.
Isaac says he can't wait to get home and hang out with his friends. He is expected to leave Madonna Rehab Hospital sometime in February.
In the meantime, team Pfeifer will be working double time on the house to have it ready for Isaac.
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