A 15-year-old Long Beach athlete who suffered a severe spinal cord injury in a diving accident has made a remarkable recovery ahead of the holidays.

Water polo player Sandro Apuzzo was thought to be paralyzed following the July 4 accident. Five months and several surgeries later, he is planning to walk out of the hospital Wednesday surrounded by friends and family members.

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The celebration will mark a significant milestone for Sandro, who was with friends at Peninsula Beach when his life changed in a frightening moment during a dive into the water.

"Diving around, splashing with friends," Sandro said, describing the summer beach day. "I didn't feel myself hit the bottom, so I just realized I can't move. I'm just f

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