Bruce Cook returns home

Freestyle motocross rider, Bruce Cook is back home three months after a horrific crash left him a complete paraplegic.

Photo: Contributed

A smile and a thumbs up from the always positive Bruce Cook

Cook suffered severe spinal injuries back on Jan 3 while attempting the world's first ever FMX double front flip during a show in Hamilton, ON.

He suffered a crushed T-11 vertebra and severe spinal cord injuries.

Two rods and numerous screws were permanently inserted to stabilize the area around the injury.

After a week in hospital in Hamilton Cook was flown to Vancouver General Hospital before spending six weeks at GF Strong Rehabilitation Hospital in Vancouver where he learned adaptive living skills.

Cook has been unable to regain any function or sensation from the waist down - the official diagnosis, 'T-11 complete paraplegic.'

He was recently released from GF Strong and has since returned home to the Okanagan.

To assist with medical costs which could stretch into the hundreds of thousands of dollars over the years, several fundraising events are being planned.

The first of these, "Smiling for Bruce Cook," will be held Friday, April 11 at the Laurel Packinghouse, is already sold out.

A second fundraising event has also been planned for June 7 at the Sunplex.

Tickets are $20 until April 30, $25 for general admission and $30 at the door.

The event will include silent and live auctions, door prizes, games, DJ's and live music and is being sponsored by Smile For BC.

Click here to purchase tickets.

Cook will be leaving for a private California based facility, Project Walk for six weeks later this month.

Project Walk focuses on improving quality of life for spinal cord injury patients.