Reggie

EVERYBODY has a story to tell. This is mine: I have been riding motorcycles since the age of 10. I honed my riding skills tearing around the dirt paths in Philadelphia. I was a typical kid enjoying a typical childhood.In 1978, on Memorial day, when I was 14, my life took a nightmarish turn. While playing with some friends near a railroad yard, I scaled an abandoned railroad car. When I reached the top, I was hit by a powerful jolt of electricity that had arced down from an overhead power line. My body was instantly scarred by second and third degree burns, but the worst part was yet to come. A few days after the accident, doctors were forced to amputate both of my legs below the knees. The electricity, as it exited my body, left my legs too burned to save.Not being one to shy away from a challenge, I emerged from a summer of physical therapy determined to return to a normal life. I surprised my teachers and classmates by easing back into school without the aid of crutches or a cane. It wasn't long after, that I began to ride a motorcycle.At the age of 19, I participated in and won my first drag race. That victory hooked me so much so that I decided to pursue a career in motorcycle racing. In 1989 I reached the professional level, was named the Pro Rookie of the Year, and won my first Championship. The 1990's would see me take a leave of absence from motorcycle racing to pursue other passions, namely flying. I hold ratings for both single and multi engine aircraft. Returning to active competition in 2000, I secured sponsorship to compete in NHRA Pro Stock Motorcycle drag racing. Prosthetic Design Inc, a company in Dayton Ohio designed and fit me with a special set of prosthetic "racing" legs which are much lighter and more purpose built than my everyday walk around legs. In 2003 we finished #4 in the world. I am very proud of my team's accomplishments because I am a double amputee who competes against "able bodied" racers and kicks their butts! I use my accomplishments to inspire and encourage kids all across the USA to believe in themselves despite life's obstacles and challenges. Education is the key to fight mental slavery! I've worked with the Shriners Hospitals For Children and also visited with our nation's wounded heros; the soldiers of the US ARMY at Walter Reid Hospital. My goal in life is to see my daughter grow into a happy, healthy woman, and to become one of the best motivational speakers in the world!
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