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?
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.
I am participating in 'No Shave November this year
In solidarity with my 12 News TV co-workers, I am participating in "No Shave November" to help raise awareness for men's health.
22 years later: My strength may fade, but my hope never will
It’s that time of year. The month of September always brings around mixed feelings for me. Sept. 12, 2019 marks the 22nd anniversary of the day I became a quadriplegic.
I can’t believe it’s been over two decades since I lost my ability to move my arms and legs. It seems like yesterday when I was in the intensive care unit clinging to life. Looking back year after year, it is amazing to think about how I overcame such insurmountable odds. And while that was 22 years ago, my childhood is even farther away.
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.
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.”
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.
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.
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.
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.