A 67-year-old New Port Richey man's passion almost cost him his life last year. Now, after he's recovered, his health professionals say his transformation is a miracle.
Albert Grella has been a biker fan since he was 17. He says bikes to ride for the thrill, excitement and persona that come with being a biker.
Nearly 10 months ago, he was riding with friends and family when he hit a pole.
"I was thrown over 65 feet and I landed on a bunch of rocks," said Grella.
Grella broke 95 percent of his bones and was faced with the possibility of never walking again. He was transferred to Southern Pines Health Center for treatment where he underwent both physical and occupational therapy.
"Nobody really knew what to do with him because he was so bad," said Grella’s Physical Therapist, Kenneth Olan. "We weren't sure how he was going to make it."
Through the help of his doctors, Grella progressed from not being able to move out of bed to using a wheelchair. Then a walker and finally a cane.
"You sometimes see people who aren't going to make it back home," said Grella’s Occupational Therapist, Bruce Hoogerwerf.
Grella plans to hit the road again and this time with a mission to influence the state to pass a helmet law.