BAKERSFIELD, Calif.(KBAK/KBFX) — Karanveer Singh’s recovery has become a source of inspiration at The Rehabilitation Center of Bakersfield after a devastating crash left him facing the possibility of permanent paralysis.
Singh, 27, was in a serious truck accident in October 2024 and suffered a partially broken bone in the C-5 vertebra. Doctors told him he would be paralyzed for the rest of his life.
Karanveer Singh lies in hospital bed with limited mobility. PHOTO: THE REHAB CENTER OF BAKERSFIELD
“When I found out I couldn’t feel anything below my waist .. and I was just thinking what’s going to happen now.. I couldn’t understand what was going on,” Singh said.
In the aftermath of the crash, Singh struggled emotionally, feeling depressed and discouraged, with days when he did not want to get out of bed.
But after arriving at the Rehabilitation Center of Bakersfield in January, Singh began making progress.
“When I stood on the parallel bar, that’s when I knew like, I can do it. Then I progressed to the walker and started walking a few steps,” Singh said.
Karanveer Singh all smiles after standing up on his own PHOTO: KBAK/KBFX
Singh credited his therapist, Kyle, for supporting him throughout his therapy. Singh and Kyle work together four times a week, in addition to other exercises and occupational therapy.
Kyle said Singh’s walking distance has steadily increased during therapy sessions.
“Working on the walker, and going from 5.. 10ft to 20, and then a little bit more, and then you know we’re walking pretty consistently about 150 feet, you know, if everything will coordinate with us, if the stars align, it’s about 150 feet every time,” Kyle said.
As Singh continues to improve, he said he plans to return to work. He also offered encouragement to others facing difficult times.
“So just stay positive, trust in God, and then just think positive, like if you start thinking positive, positive things are gonna happen to you,” Singh said.
Administrator Jayson Guzman praised Singh’s progress, calling him “beloved” and describing his improvement with the therapy team as “nothing short of remarkable.”