WEST POINT, Miss. (WTVA) - A retired West Point couple will never forget this Christmas.
Their 46-year-old son is able to do something again that so many people take for granted.
Jimmy Gentry was diagnosed with colorectal cancer but was determined to be able to walk again.
After going through an extensive chemotherapy treatment Gentry was faced with a major challenge.
"Doctors told me I wouldn't walk again and some said maybe they didn't know," Gentry said. "I came here to kind of spend time with my parents before just saying I'm done and it definitely is a miracle."
Gentry was able to get around with the help of a walker and a four-pronged cane, but he decided to relocate to West Point to be with his parents.
He began working out at the Wellness Center and formed a bond with an MUW student.
"My goal was to walk by Christmas," adds Gentry. "He was able to push me enough here I am walking and standing."
The cancer survivor started an extensive cross fit training program a couple of times a week.
"I think he had the mindset if he could beat cancer he could do anything else," said Justin Wofford, MUW student. "Even though it was kind of out of his comfort zone to ask him to do some of things I was doing he already had the mindset of I beat cancer I can beat this."
For someone who has endured so much in a two year period he offers the following advice to anyone who may encounter the same challenges.
"My advice would be to dig as hard as you can down and pull up the strength to keep going," added Gentry.
Now cancer free and able to walk again he plans to ease back into a normal routine one day at a time.
