We are less than one week away from the fun run. We have over 100 people registered and we are excited about seeing everyone! I wanted to share a story about a man who has learned to “Live With” the unwanted circumstances in his life… He is an inspiration to me and to many other others. Thank you Pechone Stepps for doing what you do and being such an example for all of us!
Here is part of his story in his own words, ” 24, 2024): Its not often when someone can pin point the exact day when their life changed. Normally, fixing a flat tire isn’t usually a life-changing event; however, May 24, 2002 changed the course of my life forever. While changing a flat tire, I was struck by a drunk driver. As a result of the accident, I suffered internal injuries, a broken arm, major road rash, hand issues, and my neck was broken at the C7-T1 vertebrae, which caused damage to my spinal cord, leaving me paralyzed from the waist down.
I spent months at Craig Spinal Cord Rehab Center in Denver, Colorado undergoing extensive rehab; however, doctors weren’t very optimistic about my recovery. When one suffers trauma to the spinal cord, there are varying degrees of mobility loss and body function. I have found that having a spinal cord injury (SCI) is almost like becoming a baby all over again. Over the course of my rehab w/great physical and occupational therapists (at each stop), I have had to re-train my body how to perform basic tasks such as sitting up, catching, crawling, and rolling over just to name a few. It has been a long winding road of recovery for me.
Although, my situation is not ideal, and I am still in a wheelchair. I continue to rehab because I know things could have been so much worse. God has blessed me and continues to bless me every day. I have had a great church family, a great family and great friend support throughout the years who have helped me along the way (2 many people to name) but THANKFUL!!! Being able to get back to coaching basketball has been theraputic as well. I have learned to have patience throughout this journey because our time is not always God’s time and our plans are not always God’s plans. I have always felt that challenges are gifts that force us to search for a new center of gravity. Don’t fight them. Just find a new way to stand and that is WHAT I AM TRYING TO DO DAILY!!!!!!! I know everyone has something that they are dealing with in their life. BUT I encourage YOU to KEEP the FAITH and Don’t give up!!!! Enjoy your Holiday weekend!!! Safe travels and REMEMBER…. DON’T DRINK & DRIVE! “