"The RIDERS"
Date of Injury: November 27, 1993
Type of Injury: Spinal Cord Injury, T4, T5, T6
Current Home: Valencia, California
Occupation: Businessman
I was 19 years old and thought I had the world at my finger tips. I loved to ride dirt bikes, surf, snow board, wake board, fish, and work out. On November 27, 1993 just after Thanksgiving, my parents and brother joined some of our family in Laughlin, NV., while I stayed home since I had to work. Believe it or not, this was the first time my parents left me home for an extended period of time. Since they were gone I thought, what better time to have some friends over. A good friend came over with his street bike (which I loved to ride) and I later took another friend for a ride late that night. While I was driving the motorcycle with my friend on the back, he fell off. After he fell I was not able to keep the bike on the street since the balance was thrown off. The bike swerved off the road and I hit a telephone pole. I would soon learn that my life would not be the same.
According to the reports, I needed to be resuscitated twice and due to my internal and external injuries I only had enough blood to keep my heart pumping. I remained in ICU for 6 weeks on life support. After I was taken out of ICU, I was soon transferred to several hospitals. During that time I had 9 surgeries and remained in the hospital(s) for 6 months.
I have learned so much in the last 15 years, living with a spinal cord injury. I thought it was a life I could never live, but it became easier in time, with lots of practice and prayer. You learn to be creative.
Today, I am happily married to my girlfriend at the time of my accident (who I only knew for 6 months). I am a father of our 16 month old baby boy, part owner of a medical supply company (Xtreme medical), owner of Wheelie Distribution, and a Realtor for Keller Williams VIP properties. When I am not working or volunteering at the hospital(s), I enjoy spending time with my family.
I enjoy helping others with spinal cord injuries and various other disabilities. I want them to be able to overcome some of the obstacles that I was able to.
I tell people that I have been blessed to have bonus time for the last 15 years. Although some days present more challenges than others, I would never trade them for anything.
"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 | |