Teacher mowed down by minivan continues long recovery
Posted June 5, 2012 8:10 pm.
This article is more than 5 years old.
A Toronto teacher who lost the use of his legs after being struck down by a minivan outside his Rexdale home three months ago continues his long recovery.
Michael Stewart, once a strapping 200-pounder, lost 35 pounds of muscle after spending six weeks confined to a hospital bed.
He has since had two surgeries and spends five days a week at a rehabilitation centre.
The 39-year-old gym teacher at Sir John A. Macdonald C.I. still recalls that ill-fated night when he stepped outside after someone threw eggs at his house.
When he walked out onto the street to seek the culprits, a minivan struck him and fled the scene. No arrests have been made in the case.
“They came over the curb and hit me…I went over the van and landed on my back,” he told CityNews reporter Andrea Piunno.
“I’ve got a metal rod in my back and I’m waiting for the nerves to turn on. I don’t have full control of my feet or legs.”
While he still relies on a wheelchair, he’s determined to regain full strength and can now stand on his own.
“As I was in the ambulance in the gurney, I looked down and all I could do was move my left toe so from that moment I had a little bit of hope that I could walk again.”
In the meantime, the police investigation continues.
Detectives are looking for either a light green 1999 or 2000 Dodge minivan, or a 2005/06 minivan that’s light brown, gold or beige.
“There was damage on the front left side of the vehicle, it is possible that that damage may still exist,” said Const. Clint Stibble.
Stewart hopes to be back teaching at the start of the next school year. His family is holding a fundraiser on June 16th to help pay for medical bills and equipment.
Find out more at Getmikewalking.com
