Kevin Everett

Every football player fears injury, but few have had to face what happened to Houstonian Kevin Everett. During his second season with the Buffalo Bills, Everett went helmet-to-helmet with an opposing player; the collision caused a fracture and dislocation of his cervical spine that left him paralyzed and near death. The only good news was that the Bills were one of the few NFL teams to have an orthopedic surgeon on staff. Dr. Andrew Cappuccino, who was at the sidelines at the time of the accident, supervised every phase of Everett’s recovery.

Standing Tall: The Kevin Everett Story, written by Philadelphia Inquirer sports reporter Sam Carchidi, details Everett’s journey through rehabilitation. Cappuccino’s treatment included some controversial methods, but while other doctors thought Everett would never walk again, he was up on his feet only four months later. You can see the proof today when Everett discusses and signs copies of Carchidi’s book at 2 p.m. Barnes and Noble — Town & Country, 12850 Memorial Drive. For information, call 713-465-5616 or visit www.barnesandnoble.com. Free.
Sat., April 5, 2 p.m., 2008