Northern Minnesota is under a new alert until Friday at 7 p.m.

MPR News helps you turn down the noise and build shared understanding. Turn up your support for this public resource and keep trusted journalism accessible to all. 

Turn Up Your Support

Four years ago, Chris Norton was paralyzed while playing football at Luther College in Decorah. He was given only a 3 percent chance of ever feeling anything below his waist again, let alone walking.

But he vowed to walk on stage when it came time to get his diploma. On Saturday evening, 

, with the help of his girlfriend, Emily Summers.

The night before the commencement, Norton proposed to Summers. She said "yes."

Bob Collins

Author

Four years ago, Chris Norton was paralyzed while playing football at Luther College in Decorah. He was given only a 3 percent chance of ever feeling anything below his waist again, let alone walking.

But he vowed to walk on stage when it came time to get his diploma.

Paralyzed playing football, grad walks to get diploma

Go Deeper.

Like this?