Homecoming

By PATRICK E. LITOWITZ
plitowitz@ncnewsonline.com

The scene was familiar to Chris Niles.

Cheers, clapping and high fives. “Eye of the Tiger” booming. A community pep rally to honor its hero.

The Hickory Township resident relishes competition. Niles’ latest victory overshadowed sports.

The 1995 Laurel graduate made a public appearance yesterday afternoon almost seven weeks after suffering a spinal injury.

“Just amazing,” Niles said of the approximately 100 people who gathered outside his Lakewood Road home. “It’s crazy. I didn’t expect it.

“There’s a lot of people who care about me. That’s a good thing.”

Laurel Elementary students crafted approximately 600 signs to welcome Niles’ return and encourage him in his recovery. The signs, each attached with a green-and-white, heart-shaped balloon, lined the length of Lakewood Road — from Eastbrook Road to Maitland Lane.

The community joined high school and elementary school cheerleaders in celebrating his arrival. Youth baseball players whooped, hollered and smacked their coach’s hand as he passed by.

The accident occurred in early March when a partially dead tree fell on Niles as he worked to take it down. He was trapped for four hours before rescue personnel arrived.

“I knew it was bad,” his brother, Jeff, recalled. “It was overwhelming that day. Chris was a trooper. I don’t know if most people could handle that.

“He is so strong and positive. It’s mind-boggling. He’s very positive and thankful to be alive.”

Niles was taken to Presbyterian Hospital in Pittsburgh for surgery and transferred to Mercy Hospital for initial rehabilitation. While paralyzed below the waist, Niles has taken an aggressive attitude toward therapy.

“Anything that was in front of me, I figured a way to get it done,” he said. “I feel that way about this, too.

“I’ve got kids to raise. When I was at Mercy, I put two pictures up of them. Every morning, I just got up and looked at them. I got up and did what I had to do. I didn’t do anything else. I didn’t think about the pain.”

Brother-in-law Ray Omer said doctors hope Niles’ gains will take place through additional rehab.

“He’s worked hard at it. When they call him “Rocky,” it’s no joke. He trains hard at everything he’s done. He’s overcome a lot of obstacles already.”

Niles is a former Laurel High School athlete, who played in the Laurel vs. Shenango alumni football game in November. He also won a national jujitsu title last summer in the Arnold Schwarzenegger Classic in Columbus.

Family, friends, neighbors and strangers bonded to help the Niles’ family.

“When you get hurt, all those things you can’t do you think about,” Niles said.
They cleared the back lot, performed work on the home and took on household chores.

Husband-and-wife architects Frank Ross and Toyna Natale started the process to adapt the house to Niles’ needs. Ross said doors will be widened, an elevator installed, barrier-free restrooms built and other modifications completed within a couple of months.

“We’ve had a ton of help,” he said. “People are coming over with saws.”

Niles had been to his home twice before yesterday’s event.

“The first day was tough for me. (Wife) Jennifer and I just cried. The second time was easier.”

Jennifer Niles said the community’s response has been incredible.

“Everyone in the community has come out to support us. We want to thank everyone for all they have done.”

Omer said the events dispelled a notion he had.

“Just when I thought it was every man, woman and child out for themselves, there’s been an awaking for me as well. The goodness of people is just pouring out.”