Paraplegic man wearing robotic suit to participate in Disney World Marathon races

Adam Gorlitsky, from Charleston, is paralyzed from the waist down. He lost his mobility 10 years ago when his spine was severed at the T9 level in a car accident, according to a Disney news release.

He was told by doctors that he would never walk again. The 30-year-old’s life changed when he was chosen as a candidate for the wearable exoskeleton machine a few years ago that allowed him to stand and walk again for the first time since the accident. Since April 2016, he has walked in a few races using the suit and will participate in a all four races, the 5K, 10K, half Marathon and marathon.

Gorlitsky participated in a portion of the 5K race Thursday to applause of onlookers.

Disney publicity photo Adam Gorlitsky from South Carolina, wearing a robotic suit, participates in the 5K race during  the Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend.

Disney publicity photo Adam Gorlitsky, a paraplegic,  participates in the 5K race during the Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend, wearing a robotic suit.

Disney publicity photo Adam Gorlitsky participates in the 5K race during the Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend.

Disney publicity photo Adam Gorlitsky participates in the 5K race during the Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend. He will participate in all four races during the weekend.