Paralyzed Teen Flown To Atlanta

By Jessica Taloney Reporter

Hundreds of friends and family showed up to cheer on a 16-year-old football star badly injured in an automobile accident. The teen was flown to an Atlanta hospital for intense rehabilitation. Paralyzed Teen Flown To Atlanta

Published: Tue, November 27, 2007 - 5:42 pm Last Updated: Tue, November 27, 2007 - 9:49 pm

Jessica Taloney

While doctors say a 16-year old football star injured in an automobile accident may never walk again, his family is hoping an Atlanta hospital will get him back on his feet.
A crowd of more than 200 well wishers cheered as Joseph Toomey was lifted into an airplane at the Downtown Air Center at Brookley Field Tuesday.
Toomey was being transfered from the University of South Alabama Medical Center to the Shepard Center, an Atlanta hospital which specializes in spinal cord rehabilitation and catastrophic care.
"I think it's great that everyone is out here showing support for Joseph," said Kevin Taylor.
Among those in the crowd were friends, family, classmates and coaches. All were there to show their support for Joseph and let him know they believe in him.
"I think anybody can look around here and see these hundreds of people here, bus loads of kids and know Joseph Toomey has touched alot of lives," said Joe Toomey, Joseph's dad. "It's gonna mean alot to me for years to come to know that he had this much support," he said.
When Joseph arrived on the ramp, the crowd began singing. His mom says he even joined in. "These kids love him so much," said Regina Toomey. "He's a special person."
Joseph was a star football player at Satsuma High School before being badly injured when he lost control of his SUV on highway 45 in Prichard. The crash happened Tuesday, November 20 just after sunset. The former wide reciever was on his way to pick up his sister from gymnastics practice.
A website has been set up to update friends and family on Joseph's condition while he is in Atlanta.