Early Progress
Following the accident, Duarte committed to an intensive physical therapy program that has produced meaningful, if incremental, progress. Starting from a state of complete quadriplegia, he regained some degree of movement in his arms and hands — gains that allowed him to perform basic tasks such as combing his hair and touching his own body. Modest by conventional measures, these milestones carry profound weight given the severity of his injury.
Medical Prognosis and Therapy Costs
As of September 5, 2025, medical professionals estimated Duarte's probability of walking again at approximately 3%, underscoring the critical importance of consistent, sustained therapy in maximizing his recovery potential. His treatment schedule at that date consisted of three sessions per week — Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays — at approximately R$200 per session (roughly US$40). For a family already stretched thin, this recurring expense represented a substantial financial burden. To sustain the regimen, the family actively sought donated or reduced-rate physiotherapy sessions from practitioners willing to assist.