I was born in the cold of December, 1971, in snowy Detroit, Michigan. I later moved to Montgomery, Alabama by the age of five, residing there until 1985.
I relocated to Dayton, Ohio before the start of my 8th grade year. I graduated with Honors from Colonel White High School in 1990. I was an All-City football and baseball player, lettering all three years in both sports. I was a member of multiple All-City teams in both sports. However, injuries and involvement in many extracurricular activities, limited my growth and maximum potential.
In 1990, I started all but two games at tight-end for Thomas More College in Northern Kentucky. I caught 17 balls for 14 yards a catch as a true-freshman. I felt like I finally had arrived. For the first time since I played Little League Baseball in Montgomery, I received excellent coaching, and the results showed! Due to a change in direction, I played only one year of college football.
I became disabled in August 2003. I was diagnosed with a rare soft cartilage tissue cancer (chondrosarcoma) in my right hip and pelvis. I endured a radical life altering, but life-saving 23-hour surgery to resect a tumor slightly larger than a basketball. (How ironic?) I wound up with a hemipelvectomy of my right side. I can walk with the aid of underarm crutches. I use my wheelchair primarily for sports and long outings away from home. I am very independent and determined to make the most out of life despite the physical challenges that I endure.
In June 2007, I graduated from Sinclair Community College with a dual degree in Liberal Arts & Science (A.A. & A.S.). I maintained a solid 3.1 GPA. I am currently taking a break from schooling as I reassess the job market and training needed for it. I will continue to pursue my Bachelor's degree in the future. I am a loving father of one, Brea.
In August 2008, I traveled to Council Bluffs, Iowa to compete in the National Wheelchair Softball Tournament. I played for the Midwest Cicero Flyers, a wheelchair softball team located on the Southside of Chicago. We finished first in Division 2, earning my 1st National Championship and All- Tournament first base Honors. I had so much fun playing with this group of guys.
At the same National Wheelchair Softball Tournament in Iowa, I was voted player of the game vs. Colorado. Going 5-5 with 2 doubles and 4 RBI. And this stand-up catch.
Player of the Game Interview with Xable.com
In October 2009, I was featured on ABC's Extreme Makeover Home Edition. James Terpenning, a good friend and former teammate, received a beautiful brand-new home. I had a few speaking parts as well as cameos. I was a part of the "Bravehearts march" and the wheelchair basketball game against the designers Ty, Michael, DiDi, and country music sensation Kellie Pickler. It was probably my most fulfilling participation in any event, ever!
In April 2010, I was awarded an $1800 sports equipment grant by the Challenged Athlete's Foundation. I was one of less than 800 that were chosen from a pool of several thousand applicants. I was awarded the grant to assist 100% in the purchase of a brand-new basketball wheelchair. Per-4-Max Wheelchairs out of Dallas, TX is the selected vendor. With the help of the Challenged Athlete's Foundation and Per-4-Max, I am able to train and compete using the newest and latest wheelchair sports equipment.
I believe in faith and purpose. I have learned to get up and fight back when obstacles in life knock me down. Wheelchair sports have been a godsend for my development and ability to adjust to my disability in everyday situations. Through sports I have learned that teamwork, preparation, practice, and competition carry over into life. I've learned to always try, AND to never quit! No matter what, never quit!
Be Prayerful
I just wanted to tell you all know that I love you all and I am so grateful to have each of you in my life. I hope you all have a wonderful and blessed day.
Prayer is one of the best free gifts we receive. There is no cost but a lot of reward. Make sure you pray, and pray believing that God will answer.
May today be all that you need it to be today. May the peace of God and the freshness of the Holy Spirit rest in your thoughts, rule in your dreams tonight and conquer all your fears. May God manifest himself today in ways that you have never experienced!
May your joys be fulfilled, your dreams be closer and your prayers be answered. I pray that faith enters a new height for you; I pray that your territory is enlarged and I pray that you step into your destiny and walk with FAITH!
I pray for peace, health, happiness and true and undying love for God. May everyone who receives this be blessed!
REMEMBER to pray. That's all you have to do.
GOD BLESS YOU!!!
