My story

I was born with Cerebral Palsy, caused by a delivery complication that scrambled my brain like eggs that will last a lifetime. I knew I was different from an early age when I could not keep up with friends on the playground, or when I trip over my own feet for no reason. The harder I try to keep up and fit in, the struggle worsens.

Since childhood I’ve faced many challenges of life with disability, reconstructive surgeries, homelessness, exclusion, and, doctors predicted I wouldn't live to see adulthood.

I faced that terrible fate with obsessive rage to validate my existence. I could not be a burden, because burdens get eliminated. I never gave up on myself, because my village (friends, family, teachers, mentors, etc.) never gave up on me. That village thought I was 'good enough' for a home, job, family, friends, a home, a job, a car, and love. I've spent years paying their kindness forward.

I was afraid of uncertainty. Uncertainty creates fear, fear creates judgment, judgment kills creativity. I tried something different.

​​I went into the ocean to learn how to heal the broken bits of my soul. To see if it could teach me how to glue the bits back together to live with peace and purpose. I learned that every wave is a personal test of willpower. The ability to create something magical from a force that is unpredictable is exhilarating and freeing. Now, I represent the United States on the biggest stages of international competition, while working with the biggest companies to build a place of belonging for all.

This is the power of effort over results. I believe you are capable of achieving personal greatness. Keep charging for your dreams and goals.