Father paralyzed in tree cutting accident returns home

PEMBROKE, Mass. — Whether it's his sense of humor, or his sense of purpose, it’s easy to get in Mike Karol’s corner.

He's the type of guy you want to cheer for and on Thursday, there was a lot to cheer about. He’s finally home, with his wife and four children.

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“I didn't sleep much last night, I have been really looking forward to it.  I woke up at 4 a.m. and I think was up to midnight last night.  I have been counting down, counting down,” he said.

Last November, Mike’s life changed forever. The DPW worker was in his own backyard cutting a tree when a limb turned and came down in an unexpected direction, right towards Mike.

“Then I dropped out of the tree. And I don’t remember anything after that.”

He fell from the tree, landing on his back, an injury that caused him to become paralyzed from chest down. He spent four weeks in a coma. Doctors weren’t sure if he’d pull through, but Mike isn’t one to give up.

“The grace that he handled this whole situation has surprised even me,” said his wife, Lisa. They’ve been married for 23 years.

Mike spent several months at Spaulding Rehabilitation hospital in Charlestown, learning to adapt to a new life in a wheelchair. The journey hasn’t been easy, but he’s finally going home to Pembroke.

“I was supposed to be released two weeks ago.  Those last two weeks were tough. I’m so happy after three months to be home,” he told FOX25’s Ted Daniel.

What makes it easier for Mike and his family is all of the support behind them.

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Close to $70,000 has been raised for the family through a GoFundMe page and neighbors and friends helped build a new handicap ramp on his house.

A complete stranger who saw FOX25’s first story about Mike donated a handicapped accessible van.

“I called my wife and said can you watch FOX and tell me what you think. I’d like to donate the van we had for your dad to this family,” said Edward Holmes of Canton.

With the sun on his face, and with so many caring people at their back, the future looks bright for Mike Karol and his family. Best of all, it’s home sweet home once again.

Cox Media Group