Professor of Perseverance Podcast

Ep 024 Spinal Cord Injury – Terry Moore Story

College was to Terry’s ticket to freedom. It was also expected from his parents that both of their children would go to college and graduate. Unfortunately, Terry’s SAT scores were very low. He tried numerous colleges that seemed appropriate for him, but it seemed that he wasn’t “appropriate” for them. Finally, a small school in central North Carolina gave Terry that letter of acceptance that he had so anxiously awaited.

Terry’s parents, like all anxious parents, waved goodbye to him for it was time to start school – his freedom. Terry turned up the stereo and was “free at last.” This new experience of being on his own was extremely overwhelming. The social activities of dorm life and fraternity parties didn’t leave much time for scholastics. After a semester and a half, Terry’s father became tired of sending him to “fun 101”. Terry didn’t keep up his end of the deal by passing classes. Tears came down his face as they pulled out of the college driveway. Terry started to wonder what he would do now.

Terry decided to give college another try, but closer to home. He picked up some classes at West Virginia University in pursuit of a degree in psychology. Due to Terry’s “proud” performance of academia the first time, his GPA was less than a 2.0, he was only allowed to take a few classes. He guessed he had to prove that he had the “old college try” in perspective.

The next two years at WVU Terry was putting at least a half a foot forward into the academics. He had cracked the 2.0 barrier and managed to have a fairly good social life. He enjoyed school and became involved in his psychology degree by helping other graduate students with their research, grunt work. It really provided him with a firm sense that he wanted to help others via his degree. About halfway into his junior year, Terry’s credits were all out of order so he took the summer looking for a job. His father had just acquired some property up in northern Canada; Terry’s childhood dream was about to come true.

Terry’s dad wanted to build a cottage, nestled in the trees, and looking out upon the lake, kind of an “On Golden Pond” feature. Terry’s friend Sean and his cousin Todd were also jobless, so Terry proposed to his father that they help build the cottage. They loaded Terry’s vehicle with hammers, nails, paints and other building materials. When Terry met the foreman he was told that “black muck” was found where the cottage was to be built. The best way to describe it was like black Jell-O. The land had to be cleared out before they could proceed with building the cottage.

Well, that gave Terry about a week to do nothing but fish, how relaxing. As May was coming to an end, the weather began to warm and presenting a far greater problem than he could ever realize… black flies. These things can eat you alive and practically drive you crazy. The Canadians were used to them, but to Terry it was pure hell. They were told not to wear anything fragrant because it would attract flies. After about two weeks of stinking, they decided it was time to clean up and do laundry. While driving back from their laundry excursion from a remote Indian town, Terry told his friends to be on the lookout for wildlife. Turning a corner, Terry’s headlights fell upon some unexpected wildlife; a bull moose was standing in the middle of the road. Terry locked his brakes and told his friends that they were going to hit it. As the car came to a stop, Terry called out to see if they were alright. They said they were, but how was Terry?  Terry could not move. His head was bent down to his chest because the roof of the car on it.

After the moose was off the car, Terry’s friends tried pulling the roof off him. He told them that would be futile plus he did not need to be moved. A passing car was flagged down and took Terry’s cousin back to town for help. The nearest ambulance was 60 miles away and would end up taking an hour and a half to get to Terry. As he was sitting in the car, a lot of thoughts went through his mind. How badly hurt was he?  Did he have any cuts on head?  Was he going to live?  Terry felt a peace of mind come over him; he was ready to accept what was to be.

Terry found that he had a spinal cord injury and was a quadriplegic. He couldn’t move from his neck down and required 24 hours a day help 7 days a week. After two months in intensive care at a Toronto hospital, he went back to his hometown of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania for rehabilitation. Terry’s family and friends were very supportive, expecting nothing more than the same old Terry. As he began his rehabilitation, Terry began to think about his future. He had completed over half of his college credits. He contacted his college advisor and told him what happened. They were able to work out an independent study project. Terry didn’t want to waste any more time, he want to continue to pursue his college degree. He was even more determined to work in a field of helping others.

The campus at WVU was too hilly to navigate so he was able to work out a program with WVU and the University of Pittsburgh to take classes at Pitt. The credits would be transferred to WVU. That summer he began classes at Pitt. He spent the next couple of years completing his education and graduated in 1980. Terry was very proud and glad that he had completed his undergraduate degree in psychology. He was now ready to hit the job market and he thought that surely somebody would hire a college graduate.

For two years Terry worked at a county run nursing facility, but it just wasn’t what he wanted. He completed an application to attend Pitt’s School of Counselor Education and the School of Social Work so he could receive his masters degree. He was accepted to the social work program with an emphasis on counseling. Keep in mind that during his bachelors program Terry was basically a “C” student. He was now forced to a higher level of learning, which means that he needed to become an “A – B” student. After 18 months of intense education, Terry had done it. He earned a Masters in Social Work.

Terry was able to work in such settings as rehabilitation hospitals, community mental health, advocacy programs, and at the present, the State Department of Health of Tennessee. Terry was able to look back at what was a traumatic event that has impacted his life greatly in a very positive sense. Terry knew that he could accomplish what he set out to do regardless of his “disability,” which at many times is very much an “ability”. Tragedy can strike when you least expect it and in the most unexpected fashion. It is how one uses this experience and turns it into a positive that makes them a “winner.” Terry overcame adversity which he thought would be impossible; Terry was a “winner.”

Thanks for listening in advance and have a bless day.

To learn more about James, visit Professor of Perseverance. You may also contact him through email, James@professorofperseverance.com or call 615 – 336 – 2181

Ep 023 Spinal Cord Injury – Dr. James Perdue, Professor of Perseverance

James was a normal 19-year-old with expectation of playing professional baseball, the major leagues. He was attending Martin Methodist College in Pulaski, Tennessee on a baseball scholarship. He had the attitude of being invincible. After only being in college for two week and playing one college game in the fall, unexpected tragedy came a calling.

On September 11, 1983, James became a quadriplegic, dislocating three vertebrae in his neck, from playing a football game. The doctor said, "James, I'm sorry. You'll never walk again and you might be paralyzed from your neck down." Later, the doctor advised his family to place him in a nursing home; he would be too much of a burden for them to take care.

00:01 James Perdue Opening Statement

03:00 Introduction Dr. James Perdue

04:07 James Story

26:57 Depression

30:07 Support System

33:34 Staying Positive

36:33 James Motivational Statement

To learn more about James, visit Professor of Perseverance. You may also contact him through email, James@professorofperseverance.com or call 615 – 336 – 2181

Ep 022 Spinal Cord Injury – Mike Utley, Thumbs Up!

On November 17, 1991, Detroit Lions’ offensive guard Mike Utley (#60) was paralyzed during an NFL game against the Los Angeles Rams at the Silverdome in Detroit, MI.  Mike’s courageous “Thumbs Up” gesture as he was carried from the field has come to symbolize his fighting spirit.

In the years since sustaining his injury Mike has focused all of his time and energy through countless hours of therapy and rehabilitation striving to fulfill his goal; to someday walk unassisted off of the Ford Field.  In addition to his rehabilitative efforts to walk again, in January of 1992 Mike took on a new challenge; that of helping all people disabled by spinal cord injuries (SCI).  The Mike Utley Foundation was therefore established to provide financial support for research, rehabilitation and education for SCI related injuries.  We are dedicated to finding a cure and to provide motivational and emotional support for individuals who have been disabled with such injuries. 

00:01 Mike Utley Opening Statement

02:20 Mike’s Story

07:55 Depression

14:30 Support System

21:37 Thumbs Up!

23:25 Set Goals

25:21 Inducted College Hall of Fame

31:04 Mike Utley Foundation

https://www.mikeutley.org/

33:11 Mike’s Motivational Statement

To learn more about James, visit Professor of Perseverance. You may also contact him through email, James@professorofperseverance.com or call 615 – 336 – 2181

Ep 021 Spinal Cord Injury – Jesi Stracham, Wheel With Me

Jesi Stracham, is a wheelchair user on a mission to help individuals see the opportunity in their obstacles. She is the founder of Wheel With Me Foundation, the owner of Wheel With Me Consulting, and a full time student. Through her own struggles she works to teach individuals the power of our mindset.

In January 2015, Jesi was the passenger on a motorcycle when it collided with a car. She woke up a week later in an intensive care unit without the use of her legs secondary to a spinal cord injury. Instead of accepting disability as her reality, she rejected the prognosis that she would be wheelchair dependent for the rest her my life. In the face of adversity, she is recovering from her disability and using it as a platform to reach the world. Since the onset of her injury, she has achieved more than she previously dreamed possible.

00:01 Jesi Stracham Opening Statement

04:26 Jesi Acting Career

Date Me (Teaser) https://vimeo.com/446301571?fbclid=IwAR3TpsQBbN8SUFTqBwAeAPNWBGCwMwqdpCkoZruLFoK7rRDb9rXK5zPrTfc

12:45 Jesi’s Story

15:14 Depression

18:52 Support System

19:55 Staying Positive

25:25 Self Awareness

30:26 Jesi’s Motivational Statement

To learn more about James, visit Professor of Perseverance. You may also contact him through email, James@professorofperseverance.com or call 615 – 336 – 2181

Ep 020 Spinal Cord Injury – Tim Taylor, This Is Wheel Life

In 2003, Tim’s life changed due to an automobile accident where his girlfriend and her sister sadly passed away leaving him a quadriplegic.

Even though the tragedy, Tim has persevered in life and you can follow him on his Youtube channel This Is Wheel Life.

Link:

https://www.youtube.com/user/timay618

00:01 Tim Taylor Opening Statement

01:32 Introduction Dr. James Perdue

02:48 Tim’s Story

05:10 Living with Surviving Guilt

06:16 Depression

12:26 Support System

13:48 Laughter

17:31 Staying Positive

20:42 Tim’s Motivational Statement

To learn more about James, visit Professor of Perseverance. You may also contact him through email, James@professorofperseverance.com or call 615 – 336 – 2181

Ep 019 September is Spinal Cord Injury Month - SCI Facts

Spinal Cord Injuries

According to the National Spinal Cord Injury Statistical Center at UAB, the distribution of the causes of SCI have changed drastically from 2015-2018/19.

Vehicular 39.3%

Falls 31.8%

Violence (primarily gunshot wounds) 13.5%

Sports/Recreation Activities 8.0%

Medical/Surgical 4.1%

Other 3.1%

Researchers have estimated that, as of 2019, 17,730 new SCI cases occur each year and between 249,000 and 363,000 people are currently living with SCI in the United States.

The average age at injury has moved from 29 years in the 1970’s to 43 years in 2018.

General Statistics

Approximately 17,730 new spinal cord injuries each year in the USA.

Males account for about 78% of new SCI cases.

Approximately 249,000 to 363,000 people in the USA living with SCI.

Average age at the time of injury is 43 years old currently.

Lengths of stay in the hospital acute care unit have declined to 11 days currently.

Lengths of stay in rehabilitation have declined to 31 days currently.

Approximately 291,000 Americans are spinal cord injured

39.5% of spinal cord injured individuals are considered paraplegic and 59.9% quadriplegic

Approximately 17,730 new injuries occur each year

78% of new cases are male

Nearly half (47.6%) of all injuries occur between the ages of 16 and 30

The average age of spinal cord injured person is 43

87.4% of all SCI individuals are discharged from hospitals to a private home, 6.7% are discharged to nursing homes

Most Frequent Neurological Category

Quadriplegia, incomplete 47.6%

Paraplegia, complete 19.9%

Paraplegia, incomplete 19.6%

Quadriplegia, complete 12.3%

SCI Facts Link:

https://www.sci-info-pages.com/spinal-cord-injury-facts-and-statistics/

Thanks for listening in advance and have a bless day.

To learn more about James, visit Professor of Perseverance. You may also contact him through email, James@professorofperseverance.com or call 615 – 336 – 2181

Ep 018 Spinal Cord Injury – Sean McCartney, “Angry Quad”

September is Spinal Cory Injury Month – The Angry Quad, Sean McCartney, sustained a spinal cord injury from an incredible freak accident. After returning from using the bathroom, he jumped back into bed to find himself flying through the air and landing on his head and neck. Now, a new life awaits him as a quadriplegic.

Youtube Tube Channel – The Angry Quad

Link:

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC066MuQNzMKSTrA8mKGeHCQ

00:01 Sean McCartney Opening Statement

01:32 Introduction Dr. James Perdue

05:05 Sean’s Story

09:28 Depression

15:53 Positive Supporting People Around You

20:03 How Do You Stay Positive

24:27 Participate in Research

31:25 Floor Training

43:47 Sean’s Positive Statement

To learn more about James, visit Professor of Perseverance. You may also contact him through email, James@professorofperseverance.com or call 615 – 336 – 2181

Ep 017 Spinal Cord Injury – Mike Morrow

September is Spinal Cory Injury Month – When an automobile accident left Mike a paraplegic it was a hard pill of life to swallow. Knowing how to accept challenges because of being an athlete Mike was determined to persevere and overcoming his paralyzing obstacles.

Sherri and Mike have been married for 30 years and have two children a son Nathan and a daughter Riley. Mike is a successful coach, baseball and football, while also being an award-winning educator.

One unique discussion point... It used to make me very angry when someone told me, "Oh, I forgot you were in a wheelchair." Now I've matured and now take that as an ultimate form of flattery/compliment, Mike says.

00:01 Mike Morrow Opening Statement

01:28 Introduction Dr. James Perdue

04:48 Mike’s Story

12:10 Depression

17:34 Positive Supporting People Around You

21:20 How Do You Stay Positive

23:44 Mike’s Positive Statement

To learn more about James, visit Professor of Perseverance. You may also contact him through email, James@professorofperseverance.com or call 615 – 336 – 2181

Ep 016 Spinal Cord Injury - W Mitchell

Undefeated by a blazing motorcycle accident and a paralyzing plane crash, Mitchell learned to take responsibility for the countless changes in his life. Based on his real-life experiences and the remarkable achievements that followed his accidents, worldwide organizations now seek his insight and proven strategies.

When Mitchell speaks, no one goes away unaffected as he proves, beyond a doubt, that setbacks can be transformed into exciting new starting points. Overcoming impossible situations and successfully moving forward is Mitchell’s area of expertise. And, the proof that he is “the real deal” can be found in the remarkable achievements that followed his accidents.

Achievements Include:

• Published author, radio host and television personality
• Invited to the White House under five United States presidents
• Founding chairman of Vermont Castings, a $65 million company
• Two-term mayor who “saved a mountain” and congressional nominee
• Speakers Hall of Fame inductee who has spoken in over 30 countries
• Served as president of the Global Speakers Federation
• Former Vice Chairman of National Parks Conservation Association
• Business and Environmental Leader

00:01 W Mitchell Opening Statement

02:08 Introduction Dr. James Perdue

04:23 Mitchell’s Story

31:13 Depression

49:29 Support System  

56:13 Mitchell’s Message https://www.wmitchell.com/

To learn more about James, visit Professor of Perseverance. You may also contact him through email, James@professorofperseverance.com or call 615 – 336 – 2181

Ep 015 A Man and His Dog

A man and his dog were walking along a road. The man was enjoying the scenery, when it suddenly occurred to him that he was dead. He remembered dying, and that his faithful dog had been dead for many years. He wondered where the road was leading them. After a while, they came to a high, white stone wall along one side of the road. It looked like fine marble. As he reached the wall, he saw a magnificent gate in the arch, and the street that led to the gate made from pure gold. He and the dog walked toward the gate, and as he got closer, he saw a man at a desk to one side.

When he was close enough, he called out, "Excuse me, where are we?"

"This is heaven, sir," the man answered.

"Wow! Would you happen to have some water? We have traveled far," the man said.

"Of course, sir. Come right in, and I'll have some ice water brought right up."

The man gestured, and the gate began to open.

"Can my friend," gesturing toward his dog, "come in, too?" the traveler asked.

"I'm sorry, sir, but we don't accept pets."

The man thought a moment, remembering all the years this dog remained loyal to him and then turned back toward the road and continued the way he had been going. After another long walk he came to a plain dirt road, which led through a farm gate that looked as if it had never been closed. There was no fence. As he approached the gate, he saw a man inside, leaning against a tree and reading a book.

"Excuse me!" he called to the reader. "Do you have any water? We have traveled far."

"Yes, sure, there's a faucet over there." The man pointed to a place that couldn't be seen from outside the gate. "Come on in and help yourself."

"How about my friend here?" the traveler gestured to his dog.

"There should be a bowl by the faucet; he is welcome to share."

They went through the gate, and sure enough, there was an old-fashioned faucet with a bowl beside it. The traveler filled the bowl and took a long drink himself, then he gave some to the dog. When they were full, he and the dog walked back toward the man who was standing by the tree waiting for them.

"What do you call this place?" the traveler asked.

"This is heaven," was the answer.

"Well, that's confusing," the traveler said. "The man down the road said that was heaven, too."

"Oh, you mean the place with the gold street and pearly gates? Nope. That's hell."

"Doesn't it make you mad for them to use your name like that?"

"No. We're just happy that they screen out the folks who'd leave their best friends behind in exchange for material things."

Author Unknown

Thanks for listening in advance and have a bless day.

To learn more about James, visit Professor of Perseverance. You may also contact him through email, James@professorofperseverance.com or call 615 – 336 – 2181