'Exoskeleton' Helps Those With Spinal Cord Injuries Walk

BALTIMORE (WJZ) -- In the movie "Iron Man" a rich inventor develops a suit that gives him superhuman powers.

In real life, Mike Schuh show us an effort by Kennedy Krieger to buy a device that will allow those with spinal cord injuries to walk.

Marshall Garber has spent a lot of time on the fourth floor of Kennedy Krieger.

"I have a spinal cord injury that occurred when I was 15 years old," Garber said.

Once a patient, he now works at the International Center for Spinal Cord Injury.

A place where he can see his future.

"This is the Esko exoskeleton," he said.

Sitting in a chair, a $150,000 walking machine.

It's creator says he was inspired by the Iron Man suit in the movies.

Liza and Colleen are his therapists and Thursday for the 6th time with their help -- Marshall will stand up and walk.

"It gives hope. It allows me to know that at some day in the future we'll come up with the technology that will allow me to walk," Garber said.

Marshall looks forward to these days. He says he feels great when he is strapped in.

"It's great to get up. It's great to stand up and be as tall as I should be," he said.

Standing is one thing, but the reason we're here is because Marshall is walking.

"The biggest benefit to me is to be on my feet and allow proper circulation and joint strength,' Garber said.

On loan for now, Garber said "we're hoping to raise the money to get one here at Kennedy Krieger so other people like me can get to use this piece of technology."

They need another $125,000 to make this happen.

If you're interested in helping them to buy an exoskeleton, click here.