Yes, I'm disabled and still waiting for my COVID-19 vaccine.

In 1997, I was fighting to survive. A severe cold and asthma complications left me paralyzed with a collapsed lung. I spent eight months in the hospital and relied on a ventilator to breathe.

It was a frightening time for me and my family and a day doesn’t go by without me thinking of that ordeal.

More than 20 years later, I have adjusted to life as a person with a disability and the fear of being so close to death has subsided. But with the rise of COVID-19 and the current uncertainty of getting access to a vaccine, the possibility of me being hospitalized is a very real possibility.

Fans have a new way to meet celebrities during the pandemic

While the convention floors may be empty for a while, COVID-19 has given fans a new way to meet their favorite celebrities: virtual meet-and-greets.

I’m a self-proclaimed nerd. It all started as a young kid collecting “Spawn” comics and watching “The X-Files.” in the 90s. Even today, I still proudly wave my nerd flag into my 30s as several original drawings of “Daredevil” and “Batman” adorn my office walls while a custom “Gundam” model keeps me company near my desk.

There are many rites of passage in “nerdom,” but perhaps one of the biggest is attending conventions. I have been lucky enough to attend many local comic book conventions and even attended the great San Diego Comic-Con a few times.

Insights and OpinionsGabe TrujilloJanuary 25, 2021Chuck, coronavirus, covid-19, coolComment

This is the word I will remember most from Biden’s victory speech

On Nov. 7, 2020, the world learned the news about Joe Biden becoming president-elect. Many people took to the streets across the country to celebrate after a long week of counting ballots and analyzing voter turnout.

As day turned to night Saturday, Joe Biden and Kamala Harris addressed the nation and spoke about what the next four years in office would look like.

For those who watched, there were plenty of memorable moments. From Biden proclaiming his priority to unify the country, to Harris talking about her historic moment becoming the first woman to be elected Vice President.

Insights and OpinionsGabe TrujilloNovember 8, 2020Joe biden, Disability, speech, disabled communityComment

Don't let fear drive away your hope

September has been a strange month for me over the past few decades. Along with the significance of the 9/11 attacks in 2001, the day after also holds a special meaning for me. On Sept. 12, 1997, I became a quadriplegic and lost the ability to use my arms and legs.

Each September years after that fateful illness brought a wide range of emotions, but this year, one emotion stood out more than most. Fear.

As I look back on my experience with my illness, Hopkins Syndrome, I vividly remember how I felt initially as I woke from my coma in the intensive care unit at Phoenix Children’s Hospital. Once I gained my bearings, I could feel the fear wash over me. I was covered in tubes as I.V. bags and monitors towered over my bedside. I was a scared 14-year-old boy stuck in a life-changing moment.

Insights and OpinionsGabe TrujilloSeptember 15, 2020Fears, AnniversaryComment

Take a listen to my Spotify playlist

As I continue my work from home, I have been reintroduced to the joy of listening to music throughout the workday.

In my previous jobs, I was able to freely listen to my favorite bands, but the hustle and bustle of the newsroom makes that difficult nowadays. But with our new normal of social distancing and the coronavirus, I remember just how enjoyable and useful music can be in my workflow.

Insights and OpinionsGabe TrujilloApril 22, 2020spotify, music, playlist, work from homeComment

What it's like covering the coronavirus

COVID-19. Coronavirus. Social distancing. Welcome to the new normal (for now). I and many others across the state of Arizona are transitioning to a new way of life. Living rooms are now offices, solitary walks around the neighborhood are daily workouts and Zoom meetings are a popular tool for social interaction.

The pandemic has taken hold of the globe's attention and the world watches and scrolls for updates on the fight against COVID-19.

And I am one of those who have the privilege to provide an essential service as a journalist to help keep my community informed during this tumultuous time.

Insights and OpinionsGabe TrujilloApril 2, 2020coronavirus, covid-19, journalist, 12 News, newsComment

That photo of a kid admiring a model in a wheelchair is more important than you think

If you've been on the internet lately you've undoubtedly seen the viral photo of a young boy in a wheelchair at Target. In the photo, the boy is seen starting admirably at a photo display featuring another young boy in a wheelchair.

“He’s never seen a kid in a wheelchair before,” Demi Porter Garza-Pena, the boy’s mom said during a 12 News interview. “So for him to stop and notice that out of the blue was really heartwarming for me.”

Since its posting on Facebook, the viral photo has been received more than 49,000 likes and 34,000 shares. And the picture has brought up an important discussion online.

Insights and OpinionsGabe TrujilloFebruary 18, 2020Disability, media representation, inclusion, target wheelchairComment

My biggest regret after becoming disabled

Last year, I was asked to speak to a group of physical therapy students to talk about my life as a person with a disability. I was asked plenty of great questions, but one in particular really caught me off guard.

“What is the biggest regret in your life?”

I was thrown for a loop. It was a question I’ve never been asked before and, to be honest, I never really thought about.

But after doing a quick scrub through my 36-year history in my mind, one theme kept popping up.

Insights and OpinionsGabe TrujilloFebruary 15, 2020My Thoughts, relationships, High School Comments

Rolling into the 2020s with new resolutions

2019 has come to an end and it's time for the beginning of a new decade. Turning the calendar to 2020 means taking stock of what things I've learned and experienced in 2019 and examining what goals and expectations I have for the new year.

A.K.A. what are my new year's resolutions?

Insights and OpinionsGabe TrujilloDecember 31, 2019New Year's, My ThoughtsComment

Mixing masa with memories

When I was a kid, there was nothing better than my family getting together to make tamales.

I’m no longer a kid, but that sentiment still rings true today.

Christmas tamales are just one of the many traditions my family’s foundation is built on. Whether it’s Sunday dinners or Christmas Eve parties, the Trujillo’s have a long list.

And out of all of them, our yearly get together to make tamales is at the top. Our family is large. Me, my parents, aunts, uncles, and cousins all live within a short drive from my grandparents’ home, so this Christmas event is quite the affair.

Gabe TrujilloDecember 23, 2019Comment

Yup, IT’S the bottom.

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