I can be your 'Unsung' hero, baby

This June, I had the honor of being a recipient of TEGNA’s Unsung Hero Award. The company each year highlights and honors exemplary employees from stations across the company.

My boss nominated me this year and the committee selected me as one of the honorees.

When I heard the news, I was honored and humbled to be considered. My nomination is definitely a team effort. From my incredible co-workers to my amazing family and friends, my success is only possible with their help.

As a person with a disability, inclusion in the workplace is an important goal for me and 12 News has given me the accommodations and opportunities to succeed a thrive in the newsroom.

To learn more about my award, watch the latest episode of my vlog, “Have a Seat.”

Fried fish, a wheelchair and an impromptu handshake

This is a thread about an encounter I experience all to often as a person with a disability.

Yesterday, I was eating dinner at a local fish place with my dad when a man came up to the table and asked to shake my dad’s hand.

“I just wanted to shake your hand and say it’s awesome what you do,” he said. “I have a son with a disability too.”

He then walked away. I’ve been through this before, but every time this happens, which is too many times, I am speechless and annoyed.

I get where he is coming from and he means no disrespect, but he brings forth an important lesson for me to teach my able-bodied counterparts.

I, and every other person with a disability who goes out in public, am not looking for a pat on the back or a gold sticker for doing something so trivial.

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Yes, my dad was helping me eat my delicious fried fish, but he wasn’t looking for recognition. We were simply doing something many fathers and sons do. Spend some quality time together over a good meal.

What’s worse is that he didn’t even speak or recognize me as anything other than a disadvantaged man in a wheelchair. And that is the root of the problem.

He didn’t even realize that I had just got off working an eight-hour day at the office and I wanted to treat my dad to dinner to unwind from a long day.

So the lesson? Yes, I’m disabled. Yes, people help me with most daily tasks. No, living a normal life like everyone else is not some incredible accomplishment that needs your recognition.

If you want to show your appreciation for me and those who help me navigate life, a simple “hello” will do. Above all else, I just want your respect and sense of belonging. No award is necessary.

School, standing frames and Spawn at the Sub-Acute Unit

In episode 2 of Have a Seat, I'm chatting about my time in the Sub-Acute Unit of Phoenix Children's Hospital. I cover everything from my various therapies to how I kept up with my school work.

It was a strange, empowering and difficult time in my life, but in the end, it helped shaped who I am today. From learning to breathe on a ventilator to finishing up my freshman year from my hospital room, there is no shortage of memorable experiences.

During my time at the Sub-Acute Unit, one thing I learned was the importance of patience. I wasn’t going to magically start walking overnight. But if I was going to successfully adjust to being a quadriplegic, it was going to take plenty of hard work and determination.

To give you a better visual from my 8-month hospital stay, here are a few photos. I can’t believe it was over 20 years ago.

Enjoy!

My new vlog is live!

It’s official, I have a vlog!

Lately, I’ve been looking into the idea of vlogging, and I finally took the plunge and joined the YouTube Creator community.

For my first foray, I’m calling my vlog “Have a Seat” and sharing my insights into my life as a person with a disability.

In the first episode, I talk about how I became a quadriplegic and why I may have Acute Flaccid Myelitis.

RELATED: Tempe 1-year-old one of four kids in Arizona diagnosed with AFM in 2018

Watch my premiere episode in the embed below.

The Disabled List: Shane Doan talks retirement, roping and life off the ice

To Arizona hockey fans, he’s simply known as Captain Coyote.

Shane Doan, an Arizona Coyotes legend, recently hung up his skates after 21 seasons with the team. With his hockey career in the rearview and his name at the top of many Coyotes records, Doan begins his new chapter off the ice.

In this episode of The Disabled List, Doan stops by to chat about what it’s going to feel like having his number retired, Coach Doan vs. Player Doan and his love for the sport of roping.

To hear our full conversation, listen on some of your favorite podcast services. Visit the links below to check out the latest episode.

LISTEN: Podbean | Stitcher | Apple Podcasts | Google Play

If you have any questions or comments about The Disabled List podcast, you can contact me on your favorite social media networks like Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

For a schedule of upcoming episodes or listen to previous interviews, head over to 12news.com/thedisabledlist.

Throwback Thursday: My visit home for the holidays

For Throwback Thursday, I have a special video. Here's an old story that was done by 12 News in 1997 about my Christmas visit home while I was in the hospital.

21 years later, I work for that same station.

Here's the package they ran.

Knowing (who you are) is half the battle

We are all fighting battles. Some fight on a battlefield. Others fight within themselves. But we are all searching for victories in our own wars. 

But no matter where or what you’re fighting for, it’s important to remember just how strong we can be. 

More than 20 years ago, most of my physical strength left me. My arms and legs weakened by an illness I couldn’t see and condition that seemed insurmountable. As I laid motionless in that hospital bed, surrounded by tubes and cables, I learned the true meaning of "strong."

From that moment on, the definition of strength was no longer limited to the size of your muscles. Instead, I realized true strength is measured by will and courage. Even though my body was more frail than before, my will to fight never wavered and only grew stronger. 

So every day that I’m able to greet the sun and take a breath, I fight to live life to the fullest and remember to enjoy everything it has to offer. Sadness and despair will always be present in today’s society, but if we choose to focus on good and the power of the human spirit, our lives will be better for it. 

“Strength doesn’t come from physical capacity, it comes from an indomitable will.” 

This quote from Ghandi has become my favorite since I became a person with a disability. It embodies my personal philosophy on life and provides validity to my belief on the importance of courage and perseverance. 

Now those who read this my not have intimate knowledge about the struggles of living life with a disability, but we all can relate to struggle and hardships, no matter what they may be. 

As we all continue to fight our own wars, we look for hope of winning our own personal battles. If my experiences have taught me anything, it is that we all have the power to overcome whatever we encounter. 

Whether it’s enemies on the field of battle or the inner-demons of our own devices, we must never forget the strength we have within ourselves. Knowing that you have what it takes to succeed and persevere is a victory in and of itself. 

And knowing is half the battle. 

No, death doesn’t mean freedom from disability

This past week, the world mourned the loss of Stephen Hawking. 

The brilliant man and physicist has forever changed the way we view the cosmos and his impact on our society can’t be denied. 

Along with his incredible intellect, Hawking is also known for his fight with ALS. 

His computerized voice is well known throughout the science and pop culture world, so his death brought sentiments from around the world. 

But all the thoughts and prayers given to Hawking and is family was met with some controversy. 

For example, actor Gal Gadot offered her sympathies and said Hawking is “now free of his physical constraints.”

While I’m sure Gadot meant no ill will to Hawking, her comment spurred an online debate about ableism against people with disabilities. 

There are many who believe that because of a person’s disability, death brings a welcome release to any physical limitations. And if someone has a disability, he or she doesn’t experience true freedom. 

As a person with a disability, I can safely say that this sentiment couldn’t be further from the truth. 

Not once have I ever thought of death as an escape from my disability. It’s not something I will ever welcome just because I’m in a wheelchair. 

Our lives aren't any less fulfilling because of our physical or medical challenges. Success while living life with a disability shouldn't have to come with an asterisk. For example, he has accomplished so much (*despite being in a wheelchair.)

Disabilities may be something we have, but they don't define who we are.

I know, and I'm sure everyone else knows, that Gadot didn't mean anything by her tweet. But it is important to recognize ableism and make the effort to enact change. Everyday, I'm reminded of my "otherness" because of my disability, and our society's ableism can be more restrictive than any physical limitation.

Those with disabilities do not wish for death to be free from challenges. We want to experience life just like our able-bodied counterparts and any belief to the contrary is misinformed. 

Freedom is not death for those with disabilities. Freedom is accessibility. Freedom is accommodation. Freedom is the acceptance from those who can look past limitations.

The 10 best things about being a quadriplegic

This year marked the 20th anniversary of me becoming a quadriplegic. 

And among the past two decades, I’ve learned plenty of important lessons. But none more important than the need to have a quality sense of humor. 

Sure, there aren’t many things to laugh about when you’ve spent eight months in the hospital and haven’t taken a step in over 8,000 days, but if you look hard enough, you might be able to crack a smile every now and then. 

In that spirit, I thought I would share the 10 best things about being a quadriplegic. 

I get the best parking spots. 

With a handicap license plate, I get a prime spot to park my van everywhere I go. 

No need to take a seat. 

Whenever I have a meeting, I never have to scramble for a chair. For me it’s always “BYOC,” bring your own chair. 

Wear and tear free. 

Since I don’t walk, my shoes stay in pristine condition. Which is great (or horrible) for my burgeoning sneaker fetish. 

Look ma, no hands. 

Dieting has never been easier. If I want to go on a diet, all I need to do is just tell everyone not to feed me junk food. I can’t cheat if I can’t put it in my mouth. 

Early access. 

At many events, there’s often accessible entries or early access. Which means no need to wait in those long lines. If you got it, might as well take advantage of it. 

I don’t have to speak to anyone I don’t want to. 

Most of the time, people assume I can’t speak or just ignore me all together. 

No need to worry about street vendors. 

Since they think I am not cognitive, they just ignore me. That’s fine, I didn’t want a two year subscription to “People Magazine” anyway. 

There’s no pressure to hit the gym. 

Any muscles I had waved bye-bye long ago. Besides, the only six pack I’m interested in is full of caffeine and corn syrup. 

Who needs a coat hanger?

I’m always a hit for those who need to take a quick trip to the mall. Don’t worry about lugging around your bags, just stick them on my armrests and viola! Hands-free shopping. 

It’s okay, he’s disabled. 

If I run into anybody, they generally just shrug it off. Of course it was because they weren’t watching where they were going, not because I’m a horrible driver. 

So you see, disability isn’t always doom and gloom. 

If life gives you lemons, just run them over, because you can’t pick them up anyways. 

20 things I learned after 20 years as a quadriplegic

20 years. I can't believe it's been two decades. 

On September 12, 1997, my life, as the Fresh Prince would say, "got flipped turned upside down."

A simple cold turned into a life-threatening pneumonia that left me paralyzed from the neck down. 

Since that day, I've experienced and grown a lot. I've lived through some incredible and trying times over the last 20 years, and even learned an important lesson or two. 

Here are 20 things I've learned in the last 7,300 days as a quadriplegic. 

The power of patience

One of the defining qualities I've mastered over the last few years is patience. When you are dependent on others for nearly every aspect of your life, you quickly learn the importance of not being quick to judge and knowing when to relax and not get too stressed out. It is true what they say, patience is indeed a virtue. 

It's okay to have a bad day

Bad days are bound to happen and it's perfectly fine to have them. We all have those moments when things just aren't going to go the way we planned, but it's important to know that it won't last forever. Always remember that you always have the power to overcome life's darkest moments. 

Don't be afraid to ask for help

I am still trying to master this one to this day. If you need a helping hand, don't be afraid to ask. As we've seen recently with the events in Houston from Hurricane Harvey, there will always be those who are willing to assist those in need. And whether it's being rescued from rising flood waters or just something as simple as opening a door, a helping hand is just an ask away. 

Lap dances are a logistical nightmare 

A few years ago, for my best friend's bachelor party, I had the chance to have my first strip club experience. Because that's what you do for a bachelor party. It was an eye-opening experience that is a longer story for another time, but let's just say that someone trying to dance on a wheelchair isn't as sexy as it sounds. 

I apparently want to race with everyone I meet

Over the last 20 years, I can't even count the number of people who ask me if I want to race while I'm out and about. For future reference, no, I don't want to race, and no, you're not funny. 

Enjoy the little things 

Life can get pretty hectic at times, even if you're not a quadriplegic. So make sure you take time to just sit back and enjoy the little things. Like when you're van lift works without breaking or when you fly on an airplane and your wheelchair comes back in one piece. 

I cannot hold my liquor 

During my aforementioned best friend's wedding, I took a shot of Tequila with the wedding party. It didn't take long for my hands to get puffy and the room to start spinning. I am the definition of light weight. 

Don't play the blame game 

I always am commended for my positive outlook and never being down and looking for someone to blame about my situation. It would be easy to sit here and feel bad about being in a wheelchair, but the truth is, I don't believe there's anyone to blame. Yes, it's unfortunate that this happened, but being mad about it and angry towards someone or something won't improve my situation. 

You can always make the best out of any bad situation

Unexpected and unfortunate situations are bound to happen. But lemons always have the possibility of being lemonade. 

Being in a hospital for eight months qualifies you for a health credit in high school

When I was released from the hospital, I went back to school. But while I was in the hospital, I made sure to keep up with my school work. On top of the classes I took, I was able to get health class credit for my eight-month hospital stay. I guess life-threatening illness qualifies as an acceptable lesson plan. 

Athletes come in many forms

I was an avid soccer player before I got sick. When I became a quadriplegic, I thought my life as an athlete were over. But I found the incredible sport of power soccer and it has reinvigorated my competitive spirit and introduced me to an amazing world. 

Strength isn't measured by a person's physical capacity

My muscles may have failed me, but they will not limit my drive to succeed. As long as there's a breath still in me, I will fight to live the life I want. 

Portable ramps will always be your best friend

If you ever find yourself using a wheelchair to get around, keep a portable ramp handy. Whether it's a broke-down van or an inaccessible restaurant, you'll be sure to encounter situations that will require one. 

Don't freak out when you get locked in a van

When I was in college, one of my aides locked me in my van on her first day working for me. Luckily it was winter and the ASU security guard was an expert lock picker. 

If you need someone to look up to, sit down

It's always healthy to keep an open mind and always see things from different perspectives. You'd be surprised how much your view will change when you're sitting 24/7. 

Ironside was cancelled after three episodes because they cast Blair Underwood instead of me

In the media, people with disabilities are often perceived as one-dimensional characters, often left in the background. But with new shows like Speechless and Atypical, people with disabilities are getting the proper attention and portrayals we deserve. 

The airline industry is the arch-nemesis of people with disabilities

Flying anywhere is always a gamble. The airlines are well known for the mishandling and damaging of wheelchairs. It seems like almost every time I flew a piece of my chair would end up broken. 

If you have to spend eight months in the hospital, make sure there is a Whataburger across the street

Take it from me, never trust the hospital food. Whenever I could, I made sure to eat out. The nurses could argue with me all they wanted, they weren't going to convince me that the yellow blob on my tray was mashed potatoes. 

Experience everything you can

Regardless of your situation, if you have the chance to experience something new, fun, or exciting, do it. In the end, you will be more upset if didn't do it than if you did. 

Make time to thank those who’ve helped you along your journey

I would be nowhere without my incredible family and friends. I am often congratulated for being as successful and positive as I am, given my situation, but I can say my support system is a big reason why. Many of us have those who stand in our corners cheering us on, and I'm here to remind you to thank those who've helped you in your journey. 

September 12, 1997 will forever be a defining moment in my life. Since then, I experienced ups and downs, the good and bad, laughs and tears, and I wouldn't change it for anything. 

No one knows what the future holds. In the next 20 years, a lot could change. I may be still sitting in this chair or walking on my own two feet. Either way I am going to life my life the best I can. 

I may be a quadriplegic, but I'm going to roll wherever life take me. Except stairs.