Family friends of the Penn State student who was seriously injured after he fell from a second-floor balcony in March said Cory Wincek is still paralyzed from the waist down, but may soon go home to continue rehabilitation.

Wincek, 20, is currently at the McGee Rehabilitation Hospital in Philadelphia recovering from the fall, several friends said.

Wincek was leaning against the railing of an apartment balcony at University Terrace Apartments, 924 Bellaire Ave., when the railing gave way. He fell about 15 feet onto a paved parking lot.

Close friends of Wincek's family -- who gathered with about 90 other people last night to play in a poker tournament that benefits Wincek -- said his parents are anticipating Wincek's homecoming.

One half of the proceeds of the Texas Hold'em poker tournament held at 6 p.m. yesterday at the Knights of Columbus Hall, 850 Stratford Drive, will go into a trust fund for Wincek; the other half went to the top-place winners.

State College resident Jim Gazza said he is a good friend of Wincek's family and spoke to Wincek's parents this week.

He said they were optimistic that Wincek may be able to come home in a few weeks.

"I'm sure they were hoping he was going to come home walking," Gazza said.

Gazza said Wincek is still in therapy and is paralyzed from the waist down, but the family is praying that it will only be a matter of time before Wincek starts walking again.

Allen Clouser (junior-computer science) went to high school with Wincek and said he spoke to him about three weeks ago. He said there was no word of an improvement in Wincek's condition, but his spirits continued to be high, considering his situation.

Wincek was originally listed in critical condition after being flown to Geisinger Medical Center the night of the incident.

State College resident Bob Hershey attended the poker tournament and said he also spoke to the family a few weeks ago. He said they hope their son returns home soon.

This is the second tournament that has been held by the Knights of Columbus to benefit Wincek. Facility Manager for the Knights of Columbus, Lionel Bassett, said the last tournament brought in about $1,600 for Wincek's trust fund -- more than $1,000 from the tournament and $600 from outside donations.