Gainesville Teen Recovering After Stroke

Doctors said Tuesday that a Gainesville middle school student has made a remarkable recovery since suffering a stroke in mid-September.

Alberto Diaz was participating in a cross country race at West Hall Middle School when he had the stroke.

Since collapsing back in September, Diaz has made great improvement and even taken some steps.

Diaz still uses a cane and has requires the assistance of a therapist, but he is taking steps. Diaz's mother, Maria Mendoza Valdez said through an interpreter that she's happy to see the progress her son has made since going to Children's Healthcare of Atlanta at Scottish Rite.

Valdez said her son has worked hard to improve to the point where he is now. When the 14-year-old arrived, he was disoriented and couldn't walk or talk. Diaz's doctor said he suffered a significant brain injury during the stroke. Valdez said her son's quick improvement was nothing short of a miracle. For Diaz, there is still a long road to recovery ahead.

Valdez said her son was eager to get back to cross country running, the sport he loves.
Doctors say being an athlete will only help him reach his goal.