A hero’s recovery: Young boy injured in Philadelphia plane crash finds his footing again
PHILADELPHIA WPVI Andre Howard was hailed a hero the moment he leapt into action to protect his little sister as a curative jet crashed in Northeast Philadelphia Now just a scarce months later the -year-old is astonishing doctors with his recovery and inspiring a great number of with his courage On January a physiological aircraft carrying six people crashed near Cottman and Roosevelt Boulevard All six people on board were killed as were two people on the ground Andre who was in the car with his father younger brother and sister at the time was struck by debris while trying to shield his sister from the impact I just saw a big fire and my dad narrated me to protect my little sister and I tried to jump on her Andre recalled Though he doesn t remember feeling much pain in the moment he knew something was wrong It felt like I had to throw up and I had a bad headache he announced Andre was rushed to Children s Hospital of Philadelphia CHOP where he spent over a month undergoing multiple surgeries and tests His mother Lashawn Hamiel indicated where doctors had to make incisions due to the damage from the crash By the time we got to CHOP they explained us he was going to be paraplegic because he had no feeling she revealed But against the odds Andre began to recover Visits from loved ones and even Eagles wide receiver A J Brown lifted his spirits I think it s the new me Andre smiled Because I got better at my tournament and basketball His physical therapy included relearning how to walk and now he s focused on regaining fine motor skills on his left side and tasks like brushing his teeth and tying his shoes When they first informed me I wouldn t walk I was sad But now I m not he noted I can move everything When requested what message he wants people to take from his experience Andre didn t hesitate You have to work hard and consistently protect people he declared Andre got another surprise on the day of this interview he happened to visit the station just as retired Eagles star Brandon Graham was being welcomed in the lobby The two got a chance to meet and Andre shared his story of heroism and resilience living proof of what it means to rise from tragedy
