homecoming. 17-year-old nick balinger asked his girlfriend to be his date.l when you're paralyzed from the chest down. balinger's going to have to figure that out. one of many new firsts for the burke high teen who suffered a life-threatening injury in his spinal cord while vacationing with his family in hawaii. >> dove in. thought the water ws deas deepe than it was. >> reporter: after weeks of intensive physical therapy, a break-through. balinger took his first steps. >> both my sons play baseball. i think all that training as an athlete has really groomed him to be resilient. >> reporter: before the accident, balinger and his baseball team won a state championship title. and tonight are being honored with rings. in a moment that would make even the hardest of hearts tender, the teen who spent his last birthday in icu telling his parents he couldn't feel his legs. stood up from his wheelchair to receive his ring. >> i didn't want to disappoint my teammates, so i got better. >> reporter: to learn more about nick balinger and how to help him and his family,