Adam Gorlitzky is walking again because of exoskeleton technology.
The technology is a robotic device that potentially helps people with spinal cord injuries walk by shifting their weight.
The South Carolina resident took his first step Wednesday after he was fitted into his custom mold, according to ABC News 4.
Ten years ago, Gorlitzky was a college student who grew up running track and cross country and playing basketball.
"I decided to drive back to Charleston, fell asleep for 3 to 5 seconds and woke up. I was paralyzed," he said.
Now, he says, "I feel like I'm strapping into a new body."
"He's very motivated, very driven, very good at going out and getting what he needs to go to that next step," said Dr. David Powell, Gorlitzky's doctor at Charleston's Roper Saint Francis hospital.
He said his patient is the first person in the state to buy his own exoskeleton.
Gorlitzky is raising funds for the $100,000 device through his GoFundMe page and plans to walk the Cooper River Bridge Run on April 2.
"I don't feel trapped anymore," he said. "I'm able to take control of the movement in my legs. I want to start living. That's all being empowered is."
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