b'Since the accident, I have developed a new perspective on life. The challenges of living with a disability wont ever end, but I feel much more prepared to handle any curveball that life throws at me. From time-to-time, I deal with outbreaks of MRSA that can immobilize me for weeks at a time. I fall easily. I get pushed in crowds. I am often stared at, and even pointed at. For years, I was afraid that nobody would ever love someone like me, living with a disability. I am happy to report that I met the sweetest, kindest, most beautiful girl in the world - weve been dating for nearly a year, and she proved to me that love is out there for everyone, but rst, that it is most important to love yourself. Turns out that what they say is true, it IS about whats inside that really counts. I dont really know what life has in store for me, or where the tides may take me I am passionate about many things. I want to make a difference in this world. I care about Rehab begins ending the stigma of mental illness in our society, especially in men. We are taught to be strong, stone-cold, After a long and grueling recovery in the hospital, weand emotionless. Strength comes from within - its okay to returned home to Long Island for further rehab, healing, andcry sometimes, its okay to laugh, and its okay to love - eventually gait training with my new prosthesis. Mythey arent mutually exclusive. I care about making a parents, my sister, and my friends were incredible. Theydifference in the lives of those who live with disabilities, kept me entertained, held me up when I didnt believe inespecially those who dont have a voice. The world is very myself, and gave me a shoulder to cry on. I will never forgetdifcult to navigate while in a wheelchair, in prosthesis, on the outpouring of support from everyone, friends old andcrutches, etc. It is mentally, emotionally, and physically new, who helped build me back up to someone new, anddraining at times. I care about motivating people to be the surprisingly, someone better. best they can be. Ive spoken to small groups, medium groups, and large groups of people about how to prevail Of course, I had to live up to my stubborn, competitivethrough tough times.nature. I worked out incessantly, began to do yoga, bike riding, boxing, cross-t, you name it. As a matter of fact, I actually began to run. On November 5th, 2016, only eight and a half months since the accident, I ran a 5K in New York City. It was a special day for me, it was my grandmothers birthday; we had lost her the year prior to various battles with cancer and dementia. I knew I had my own angel watching me that day, and I still do, every day. For the 5K, I raised over $10K for Achilles International, an organization that provides training, equipment, and support for adaptive athletes. Friends and family came in from out of town to watch me run, and many even ran right by my side. New love in my lifeWherever I end up, there is one thing I am sure of. I survived that day for a reason. I am brave, I am strong, I am a warrior, I am here on this Earth to make a difference. Every day I wake up and I try to do a kind deed for someone. Sometimes, all it takes is a little kindness to change someones day, perhaps even their week, their month, or their year! I implore you to take a look around, to be kind to your family, to make a new friend, and most One of my tness hobbies importantly, to be the best person you can be.11'