 Cardiel consequently sustained a spinal cord injury and Cardiel and his mother were informed by the treating medical staff that he would not be able to walk again; however, following five months of hospital-based rehabilitation and six to twelve months in a wheelchair, Cardiel regained the use of his legs.After a hiatus, Cardiel was featured in the 2008 street fixed gear cycling film "Macaframa", directed by Colin Arlen and Colby Elrick.Cardiel attributes his recovery to cycling and continues to be an advocate of street fixed gear cycling.