Robotic device helps paralysed groom walk aisle

New York resident Matt Ficarra (not in picture) has been paralysed from the chest down since an accident three years ago, but that didn’t stop him from walking down the aisle. Ficarra was able to stand and walk during the wedding ceremony in suburban Syracuse on Saturday with the help of a battery-powered robotic exoskeleton called an Ekso (see illustration above). After Judge Ted Limpert pronounced Ficarra and Jordan Basile husband and wife in a 15-minute ceremony, Ficarra achieved his dream: He walked down the aisle alongside his new bride.

It feels great to be married. And I am so happy to have met my goal of walking at my wedding.

Matt Ficarra

Ficarra has been paralysed since he broke his neck in a boating accident in 2011. The Ekso portable bionic exoskeleton helps patients whose legs are paralysed stand and walk. Ficarra said it feels incredibly natural to walk with the device, and loves being able to stand his full 6-foot height. He told the Syracuse Post-Standard he’s been driving seven hours to a rehabilitation center in Allentown, Pennsylvania, weekly since April to practice walking with it.

It’s spectacular. I am so proud of him. He’s determined and he accomplishes what he sets out to do. He doesn’t give up on anything. He’s a gem.

Frank Ficarra, father of Matt

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