‘It will be miraculous.’ Macon student begins recovery after major spinal injury

A rising senior at the Academy for Classical Education is recovering from a recent neck and spinal injury, as members of the Macon-Bibb community support him and his family.

Gabriel Eisner, 17, fractured a vertebra in his neck and damaged his spinal cord after he slipped while diving into a pool during a large family gathering on July 5. His family said he was not running, drinking or acting recklessly before the accident.

Gabriel had been helping set up — getting ice and arranging plates — just before diving into the pool and losing his footing, his uncle, Damian Eisner, said Friday in a phone interview.

“It was just a millisecond in time that has changed so, so much,” Damian said, describing the moments that followed as “a whirlwind.” He added that Gabriel had been swimming in the pool since he was younger.

Gabriel was transported to Atrium Health Navicent in Macon. He underwent surgery on Monday, with doctors operating on his C6 vertebrae, which he fractured in the fall.

Gabriel’s spine was significantly damaged, and he currently has no sensation below his chest.

Doctors have been cautious about his prognosis, offering what Damian called “low probabilities” for recovery. The family, however, is choosing a different posture.

“We’re not going to accept that,” Damian said. “We’re taking a very faith-filled approach to believing that God can absolutely heal his spine and get him far beyond where he is right now.”

Even in the early days after the surgery, Gabriel’s focus has been on the future.

When Damian recently visited him in the hospital, Gabriel spoke about his goal of being released by October so he can submit his University of Georgia application.

“He told me, ‘I’m a fighter, and I’m going to press on and do the work it takes,’” Damian said. “No matter what, he has the spirit to overcome ... I can’t imagine him throwing in the towel or just giving up.”

Gabriel will shortly begin his rehabilitation journey at the Shepherd Rehabilitation Clinic in Atlanta , Damian said.

Gabriel, who is now at the Children’s Hospital of Atlanta, is a student-athlete.

ACE leaders acknowledged requests for comment from The Telegraph, including what the school may do to support Gabriel but did not provide a response before publication.

‘An incredible heart’ from Macon community

In the days since the accident, locals in Macon have rallied around Gabriel.

“We’ve just seen an incredible heart directed toward Gabriel in prayer,” Damian said. “There’s been a lot of beautiful things that have happened.”

The community outpouring began, according to Damian, when Lance Foster of the Vine Ingle Little League encouraged others in a social media post to pray for his recovery.

“Today, I’m asking our community—and anyone else who sees this—to stop for just a moment and pray,” Foster said in a July 6 Facebook post, which gained hundreds of likes and warm comments. “Pray for Gabe. Pray for his family. Pray for the doctors and nurses caring for him. And pray that the Lord would place His healing hand on Gabe ...”

Foster, who said he has watched Gabriel grow over the last several seasons in the umpire program, said his work ethic, humility and “heart for others” reflect exactly what Vine Ingle tries to instill in its players.

Damian said the family is deeply grateful for the initial wave of support but hopes the community will stay with Gabriel as he moves into what could be eight to 10 weeks of intensive rehabilitation — and beyond.

“As an immediate family, you’re up close and personal with the tragedy,” Damian said. “But for everyone else, there’s usually a tragedy, an outpouring, a response — and then people have to get back to their lives.

“The greatest thing I hope our community will do is to continue to pray.”

An online support page has been created to share updates on Gabriel’s recovery and donate financial assistance for his family. Those who wish to contribute can visit SupportNow.org.

“We absolutely believe that there is a good chance that he can overcome this thing. It will be miraculous. There’s no question,” he said, encouraging everyone to continue checking the support page for updates.