ARIZONA NEWS

California teen has graduation ceremony in Arizona hospital

May 23, 2022, 4:25 AM

(Dignity Health Photo) (Dignity Health Photo) (Dignity Health Photo) (Dignity Health Photo) (Dignity Health Photo) (Dignity Health Photo) (Dignity Health Photo) Dylen Damico-Rager and friends. (Dignity Health Photo)

PHOENIX — A California high school student hospitalized in Phoenix with paralyzing injuries received his diploma on Saturday.

Faculty, friends and family traveled to Barrow Neurological Institute located at Dignity Health St. Joseph’s Hospital for Dylen Damico-Rager’s, 18, cap and gown graduation ceremony, Dignity Health said in a press release.

“It’s not that way I planned my graduation but I’m so grateful for their support and the opportunity to wear my cap and gown and receive my diploma,” Damico-Rager said of the faculty and his friends in the release.

The Cypress High School senior was scheduled to graduate on May 25 but suffered a severe spinal cord injury on March 25 after making a shallow dive into a river near Yuma while on vacation, the release said.

Damico-Rager’s mother, Sarah Samayoa, said in the release he lost movement in his arms and legs after the impact of the dive, was carried in the current and almost drowned.

“Thankfully, his friends were able to find him and start CPR. Paramedics on scene resuscitated him,” Samayoa said.

He underwent a cervical spinal fusion surgery to have his spine fused, and weeks later, is undergoing intensive, physical, occupational and speech therapy, the release said.

His high school guidance counselor worked with hospital staff to plan the ceremony at the hospital, which featured an official diploma presentation, turning of the tassel and speakers, including Damico-Rager, the high school principal and his medical team.

“Dylen is the epitome of a Cypress High School Centurion … We know that he has a strong resilience to him and look forward to his recovery,” Kevin Hodgson, principal of the school, said in the release.

We want to hear from you.

Have a story idea or tip? Pass it along to the KTAR News team here.

Arizona News

(Facebook Photo)...

KTAR.com

Police in Mesa investigating 4 shootings that killed 3 men, injured 1 woman

Police in Mesa are investigating the deaths of three men and one injured woman discovered Friday night involved in four separate shootings.

17 hours ago

Kari Lake, Arizona Republican candidate for governor, speaks to supporters at the Republican watch ...

KTAR.com

Judge denies Maricopa County’s request for sanctions against Kari Lake

A judge on Friday ruled not to award sanctions sought by attorneys for Maricopa County against Republican gubernatorial candidate Kari Lake.

17 hours ago

(Photo by Alexandra Aley/Cronkite News)...

KTAR.com

Gas prices increase throughout Arizona at start of holiday weekend

Just in time for the long holiday weekend, gas prices in Arizona have increased after dropping for a few days

17 hours ago

(Pexels Photo)...

Associated Press

Maricopa County report lists 4 heat-related deaths so far this year

Maricopa County officials say there have already been four heat-related deaths in 2023.

17 hours ago

More homes are being planned for the Asante master-planned community in the far West Valley. (Mark ...

Angela Gonzales/Phoenix Business Journal

Homebuilders set to construct 2,700 homes in West Valley community

Three national homebuilders are working their way through planning and zoning to add 2,700 more homes in Surprise.

17 hours ago

Longtime Phoenix, Arizona, concert promotor Danny Zelisko lost a close friend remembers Tina Turner...

Kevin Stone

Valley concert promotor Danny Zelisko remembers Tina Turner: ‘She just became a friend’

While the world lost another hero when Tina Turner died this week, longtime Valley concert promotor Danny Zelisko lost a close friend.

17 hours ago

Sponsored Articles

...

OCD & Anxiety Treatment Center

5 mental health myths you didn’t know were made up

Helping individuals understand mental health diagnoses like obsessive compulsive spectrum disorder or generalized anxiety disorder isn’t always an easy undertaking. After all, our society tends to spread misconceptions about mental health like wildfire. This is why being mindful about how we talk about mental health is so important. We can either perpetuate misinformation about already […]

...

SANDERSON FORD

Thank you to Al McCoy for 51 years as voice of the Phoenix Suns

Sanderson Ford wants to share its thanks to Al McCoy for the impact he made in the Valley for more than a half-decade.

...

Day & Night Air Conditioning, Heating and Plumbing

Company looking for oldest air conditioner and wants to reward homeowner with new one

Does your air conditioner make weird noises or a burning smell when it starts? If so, you may be due for an AC unit replacement.

California teen has graduation ceremony in Arizona hospital