Former Marist Student Injured in Brussels on Road to Recovery

The former Marist College student-athlete who was among the many injured during the deadly Belgium terrorist attacks is on the road to recovery.

Sebastien Bellin was sent flying 60 feet through the air after a bomb went off in the Brussels airport. (WARNING) A graphic photo tweeted out by his former professional basketball team in Belgium, shows the former Marist basketball player on the ground bleeding from shrapnel that shattered his hips and cut both legs.

Bellin played two seasons at Marist from 1996-1998 before transferring to Oakland University.

“I have been through four surgeries already, and never thought I’d be this lucky,” said Bellin in statement through Oakland University. “When I was in the ambulance and knew I was going to make it, I began to think about my legs and if I was going to lose them, or just one. I thought I could handle having just one prosthetic leg, but not two. But, I knew being alive was the most important thing. Now, to hear that I will walk again and have both my legs, I feel extremely blessed.”

Bellin, who holds a dual citizenship in the United States and Belgium is rehabbing in Brussels. Rehab is expected to take up to two months. On April 12, he’s scheduled to have another surgery, which will included skin grafts on both legs.

“There are a lot of unknowns with my rehab and what could happen with my long-term physical state,” said Bellin. “I am extremely motivated to make a full comeback and become even stronger, but it’s going to take time.”