Like any young person, getting yourself through school can be costly – a prospect that inspired Lee Melymick, a third-year Ryerson University engineering student, to take a summer job cleaning windows and eavestroughs.
That was a year ago, and today Lee is learning to live life differently.
He fell approximately 20 feet that day, and the news that followed was devastating.
“We went to hospital and they just said he was paralyzed,” said Lee’s father, Mark Melymick. “It was kind of abrupt the way they told us.”
After several surgeries, Lee was released from trauma hospital last September and moved to a rehab facility. More than a year later, Lee still receives physiotherapy and occupational therapy. Despite everything he has been through, Lee has persevered with the support of his family and friends.
“I just want to live my life,” said Lee. “I do not want to be held down by anything. My disability does not define who I am. I want to continue being the best person that I can be.”
Before the accident, Lee was a strong player for the Leaside baseball team. Loved by his teammates, they decided to honour him with a special tribute last month where Lee threw the ceremonial first pitch.
“This team is his secondary family,” said Howard Binstock, the team’s assistant coach. “When this unfortunate incident happened the whole team rallied around him in hospital. We wanted to show our appreciation and support for him.”
“He’s my hero,” said Mark Melymick. “I mean, you get strength from seeing somebody pull through that.”
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