DETROIT – I got a chance to see a miracle today at Detroit Medical Center Rehabilitation Institute of Michigan.
Just 17 months after being crushed in a two story arson fire, 32-year-old Detroit firefighter Brendan Milewski is walking.
"It's crazy. It's inspiring to people in our situation that this technology is becoming available," said Milewski.
That technology is called Ekso Bionics and it's a battery powered, wearable exoskeleton that allows people with spinal chord injuries to stand and walk. The Ekso has special crutches with remote sensors and controls to move the hips and knees.
Milewski is part of a national trial, but DMC will be getting its own Ekso Bionic unit in April for patients in Metro Detroit.
Ekso Bionics Chief Executive Officer, Eythor Bender, said a take home customized version is just a couple of years away.
Milewski, said his 17 months of grueling rehab is not his inspiration. It's the support he received from family and friends.
"To have them here," he said. "I couldn't do this without them."