New Technology Allows Wheelchair-Bound Patients Chance To Walk

It's becoming a reality for some wheelchair-bound patients in the metro to start walking again for the first time after being told there was no hope.

Sarah Anderson, 31, was hit by a drunk driver and told she'd never walk again, but Wednesday she showed News 9 how she can walk with new bionic technology.

Anderson says she doesn't like sitting in front of large crowds of people.

"Being up in front of a bunch of people before Ekso was a daunting experience," Anderson said.

But with her Ekso Bionic Suit she is testing out for Integris Health in Oklahoma City, Anderson stands proudly in front of this crowd and cameras.

"It's really mesmerizing. It's a part of me that I lost. It's been eight years, the six foot person, I'd lost," she said.

The six foot blonde beauty has her confidence back as she suits up in a wearable robot and steps up to show how it works.

"Now I'm walking again," Anderson said. "It was just so amazing, even if I could never take a step. Just standing, it's a great feeling. To me walking never gets old. I would love to walk and get calluses on my feet."

A senior at Oklahoma State University, Mary Beth Davis is getting ready to learn how to walk again too with help from the Ekso suit, just two years after an accident that left her paralyzed from the chest down.

"God has played a very big role in my life. I have a lot of faith, not just in this innovation and technology, but just that I know things are going to get taken care of and that keeps me motivated," Davis said.

"Sarah, she's a really good friend of mine actually. So pretty cool to see your friend getting to walk in that and knowing I'll be able to do that in a couple weeks. That's cool."

Doctors at Integris Health say only 10 states and 14 facilities have this technology and they are thrilled to be able to bring it to Oklahoma, as patients' get an opportunity to walk again.

Davis will walk across the stage at this year's Integris Courage Awards on August 25. Sarah hopes to walk and get her diploma from graduate school next year wearing the bionic suit.