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Bert's StoryLife After Spinal Cord Injury |
When Bert was only 20 years old and a college intramural sportsman, he was hit by a drunk driver. The force of the impact threw Bert from the car. He broke his neck at C6 and C7, and learned he would have to face life as a quadriplegic. Bert spent the next six months in rehab, convinced his life was over.
A recreation therapist at Bert's rehab hospital approached him to talk about wheelchair sports, but Bert initally showed little interest. A year later, the therapist tried again by sharing his excitement for quad rugby. Bert decided to give it a try, never knowing the dramatic, positive impact that wheelchair sports would have on his life.
Years later, Bert founded UroMed, Inc., a urological supply company that he hoped would make a difference to people with disabilities. He met his wife, Joy, in 1995. "Having Joy and our twins, William and Emma, makes me the luckiest guy in the world," he says. "I truly have an amazing life."
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| Emma, Bert, William and Joy | 1992 Paralympics Gold Medalist |
"Life After Spinal Cord Injury" Motivational Program
Today, Bert devotes considerable time as a motivational speaker for youth with disabilities, rehabilitation programs, medical education seminars and other community events. Bert strives to reach out to others through public speaking because, more than anything, he wants to give other people in wheelchairs the same encouragement that he has received.
Bert says, "I hope to convince patients in wheelchairs that they can still do all the things they want to do and more. They will just have to do them differently."
While presenting, Bert inspires others by sharing his story of winning a Gold Medal in the 1992 Paralympics and how he became a successful entrepreneur. He also gives his perspective on:
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When you look at his achievements, it’s hard to believe that Bert was once in complete despair, and ready to give up on life. With his family, business, sports achievements and positive outlook, it’s easy to see how Bert has found 'Life After Spinal Cord Injury'.
If you’d like to attend one of Bert’s upcoming engagements, please visit our Events calendar. And feel free to contact us to invite Bert to participate in your program.
Have a personal message for Bert? Click here to send him a note.
Life After SCI Outreach Efforts
Atlanta’s 11 Alive NBC News [WXIA-TV] recently featured UroMed’s non-profit program, Life After Spinal Cord Injury, spotlighting LASCI’s efforts to provide an online support community via Facebook for wheelchair users worldwide.
Join more than 2,800 friends in our Facebook peer support community at: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Life-After-Spinal-Cord-Injury-SCI/182649975095273
