RALEIGH, N.C. — November holds a special significance for Michael Thor, co-owner of Whiskey Kitchen in Raleigh. This month marks 9 years since a motorcycle crash left him paralyzed due to a spinal cord injury. 

Despite his health challenges, he makes a point to stay positive and share his own ups and downs on social media to help others. 

“I keep healing," Thor said. "I’m only 9 years in. I’m not supposed to be getting better if I listen to any doctor whatsoever." 

He has made significant progress in recent months, lifting his arm in order to give hugs. 

"They told me about my son, that he would never get out of bed," said Karen Thor, Michael Thor's mother. "I don't know why they do it. They say stuff like, 'You're never going to walk again. Your arms are never going to move again. You're never going to be able to do this again.' And they're wrong."

In September 2018, Karen Thor left her banking career and opened NextStep, a paralysis recovery center in Raleigh, when they were unable to find the care he needed. She says it is one of only two centers in the state to offer its services. They are expecting a federal grant that will fund two exoskeletons and a rise-and-walk gait training machine.

"We’ve just grown steadily since the time we opened in September of 2018 and it’s been great to see. I think we have helped over 100 clients now," Karen Thor said.

Michael Thor attends his rehab sessions during the week along with handling business matters at the restaurant. 

“It gives me purpose, it gives me financial stability and it gives me the ability to make sure I’m not wallowing in my room, sad for myself," he said. 

He says focusing on the power of positivity has been key. “Positive vibes all the way," Michael Thor said. "Bring them all to me and I’ll push them back out to everyone else.”