DEC 7, 2009: ROCK HILL, SC -- It was just about one year ago that a Tega Cay family nearly lost their son. On December 21st, 2008 Connor McKemey was involved in an explosion by his family's backyard firepit. Connor recevied burns to 89% of his body. He was in a coma at the Augusta Burn Center for several months.
After he woke up, he had to spend even more time in hospitals as doctor's worked to re-graft his skin. Finally, after what feels like forever to this family, Connor has now put those doctor visits behind him.
CN2's very own Lucas McFadden was with the family over the weekend as he began a new chapter in his life. For the first time in nearly a year, the Tega Cay teen steps on the field to play his favorite sport, Lacrosse.
The Fort Mill Lacrosse Team took the field this Sunday at Elon Park in Charlotte. It's the first game of the pre-season so you would usually expect some nervous players.
"The first time I stepped on the field today I had butterflies again. I hadn't felt in a couple of years," Connor McKemey said.
14-year-old Connor McKemey is feeling more than just your typical jitters. This was a game he never thought he'd be able to play again because of the near fatal burns he suffered.
"(Doctors told him) That he was not going to make it and, if he did, he would never play again and to anticpate, just not the kind of quality of life he had, we all decided that was not going to be an option," said Karin McKemey.
350 days later and Connor is not only walking, he is running and playing his first lacrosse game since the accident.
"I was nervous. I didn't want to get, like, destroyed out there," he said.
"You know, honestly, I didn't think he would play lacrosse, but I knew we were not going to tell him no. So, when he said he was ready to do it, then we were going to go ahead and support that," added Karin.
While Connor's mom Karin supports her son from the sidelines, he has plenty of support on the field from his teammates which include his older brother Tripp.
"It was great seeing him making the checks and moving the ball upfield, we would hook up for passes and shoot and score," Tripp said.
Connor McKemey might wear the number 2, but after his long road it feels good for everyone to see him back on top.
Karin says that, even though it was a big day for them, in some ways it was very normal. Karin told us that she had to stay on top of Connor up until they were leaving to make sure he had all his gear together. She said it felt like old times.
Karin says Connor is your typical 14-year-old. He forgets things, he likes to sleep late and he loves to watch college football.