BAKER COUNTY, Fla. — Saturday morning, a Baker County teen took his first steps on a baseball field after an accident left him in a wheelchair nearly three months ago.
"It feels good to be back," Camden Rhoden, who is recovering from a spinal injury, said.
At a baseball tournament on Saturday, Camden took to the field, his first time back with his old baseball team since he injured his spine in May during a swimming accident.
“I’m starting to walk a little bit, so I’m doing a lot better. It’s been tough but it’s worth it," Camden said.
Many at the baseball tournament call Camden's journey inspirational. His recovery has been shared on social media, national athletes including basketball star Shaquille O'Neal reached out, and former Florida Gator star Patrick Young shared the field with Camden before the tournament.
“This is only a mid-point in his journey, let's continue to stay strong for him, continue to support," Young said.
After watching Camden throw out that first pitch, many left inspirational messages on a cut-out for Camden, some saying to stay strong and others telling him how inspiring his story has been.
"It’s overwhelming the amount of support we have, one phone call leads to another and everybody just gets behind us and everybody is doing their part," Randall Smith, a family friend, said.
Camden even got to play in the game, with a little help from his teammates. He shared this message for other young athletes navigating injuries.
“Stay tough, push yourself, keep your trust in God," Camden said.
Right now, Camden is on track to leave his treatment center in October and finish recovery at home.