"The RIDERS"
Born: July 17, 1975
Date of Injury: May 25, 1998
Type of Injury: C5 Quadriplegic
Current Home: Los Angeles, California
Website: www.myspace.com/cityzenla
I was injured on May 25th, 1998 after diving off of a waterfall into shallow water at the Grand Canyon. Fortunately, saved through the efforts of many strangers, I have bounced back with a positive sense of humor and a passion to create. I am also dedicated to helping others realize the amazing quality of life and opportunity possible after a disability. Often people are injured while pursuing their dreams and think that journey must come to an end. I know that as a RIDER, I can help some of those folks get back on the path to living the amazing life they deserve. No matter what you want to be, there is someone at RALPH'S RIDERS who can help you to take those first few steps towards success.
Currently, I am pursuing life as an artist on multiple levels. As an actor, I have had a guest starring role on "Weeds", shot a national "Wal-Mart" commercial, played the lead in the play "Pyretown" by the late John Bellusso and have had many other great opportunities. 
I am also a singer who writes original lyrics and collaborates with longtime friend and guitarist Jeff Line. We are developing a blend of funk infused progressive rock with our band "Cityzen" and are often playing at local Los Angeles clubs and venues. In addition to being a performer, I am an avid writer and artist with prints of my oil paintings in the Museum of Modern Spine. The Von Dutch Artist In Residency program, which assists up and coming talent has also been a beneficial friendship. Through the support and the help of others, I am getting close to fulfilling the dream of being a full time entertainer. I'm also getting to do a lot with the Screen Actors Guild on a PR Campaign called I.AM.PWD (Inclusion in Arts & Media of People With Disabilities). I.AM.PWD encourages the entertainment industry to create accurate portrayals of disability, increase accessibility on sets and develop more jobs for performers with disabilities.
Born in San Francisco, I moved to Hawaii when I was two and have lived in several states since. My sister and I lost our parents at a young age but were adopted by our aunt and uncle, who along with their two children became our "family." After graduating from high school at Valley Forge Military Academy, I went to Northern Arizona University and focused on music and art. A short while after my accident, I moved to Florida, earned a Masters Degree in Psychology and found acting as my creative force. I moved to LA in 2003 to get involved with spinal cord research at UCLA while pursuing the gift of art and entertainment. In addition, I have a good amount of experience as an independent living expert with over four years of sales and marketing employment with DME (durable medical equipment).
Growing up with gymnastics as a physical foundation, I was a skilled and competitive athlete that had a passion for any challenge. I have applied this same tenacity into being a versatile artist who, despite physical limitation, can share my need to create and give back. While looking for success in entertainment, I hope to encourage others to live their dreams despite their differences, difficulties or disabilities. As the recipient of a Christopher Reeve Acting Scholarship, I know the value of opportunity. I am honored and grateful to have the support of my family, friends and RIDERS, who have lent me the strength, patience and opportunity to become a true artist.... ride on.
"The RIDERS"
| ROBERT ROHAN | |
| SANDRA HERRERA | |
| STEFAN FREEMAN | |
| BRIANA WALKER | |
| MARK A. WILLITS | |
| ERNIE ESPINOZA | |
| GREG THOMPSON | |
 | Toby Forrest |
| ANTHONY R. OREFICE III | |
| KYLE MASSEY | |