For hundreds of years, a spinal injury meant never walking again. Now researchers know the spine can learn. The paralyzed have hope. Exhausting new therapies teach the spine to have a mind of its own.

The Denver Post’s in-depth project “Stepping Toward Hope” chronicles the efforts of remarkable patients suffering spinal-cord injuries taking advantage of new science and locomotor therapy that may allow them to walk again. Intense struggles, aching despair and remarkable effort are all part of their grueling stories explored by Denver Post photographers Craig Walker, AAron Ontiveroz and R.J. Sangosti.

Click through. Read captions. Cry.