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If somebody tells you that you can't do something but you can imagine you can - then don't believe them Hi! I am Sebastian Magenheim, and I live in Munich (Germany). I am a professional Wheelchair Basketball Athlete and I play for the German National Team. When I was born, the doctors told my parents that I won't be able to walk or to handle life by myself. The diagnose: Spina Bifida. But later at the age of 2, I started to pull myself up and walked. I walked very bad and my school mates made jokes about my "Daffy-Duck-Walk." I felt bad and decided to train. I watched people walking in the park when I was 10 and developed my movements. I miss some muscles but I can compensate that and walk. For sports, I use a wheelchair because it is better for my stiff ankles. It is fun and a lot of abled body people play Wheelchair Basketball. I would like to tell you something: If somebody tells you that you can't do something but you can imagine you can - then don't believe them. I am two time Paralympian, I have two academic titles and I am brand ambassador for Mercedes-Benz. I love my life!

Life is full of obstacles and challenges, but it's how you perceive your place in the world that matters Hi, My name is Jessica. I was born missing my left arm, and then when I was just 18 months old, I accidentally knocked boiling water onto myself and suffered third degree burns to 14% of my body. It wasn't the easiest start to life, but thankfully I don't remember too much. I grew up feeling different, and longing for acceptance. Throughout my teenage years I struggled with negative body image, but I was able to channel my emotions in a positive way. I loved swimming and from the age of 13 to 21 I represented Australia. In 2004 I competed at the Paralympic Games in Athens. These days, although I'm no longer competing, I still keep very active and I've found a new passion in Yoga. I'm also a new mum and the author of a children's book littlemissjessicabooks. Life is full of obstacles and challenges, but it's how you perceive your place in the world that matters. I am celebrated because of my differences, not in spite of them!

Our circumstances aren't always the greatest, but we are born into a world where we have destiny Hi. I’m Jeremy. I was born with Fibular Hemimelia. It was amputated when I was about 1 years old. I grew up in an athletic family, so I naturally gravitated towards sports regardless of my disability. I played multiple sports in high school including track and field. My sophomore year, I was introduced to the Paralympic scene and right after graduation in 2006 I began training for the 2008 Paralympic Games in Beijing China where I won my first Paralympic gold medal in the pentathlon while setting a new world record and winning in the discus as well. I no longer compete in the pentathlon, but defended my title in the discus at the 2012 Paralympic Games in London, and am the current world record holder with a throw of 64.25 meters (210 feet). I am currently training for the 2016 Paralympic Games in Rio de Janeiro! A motto to always remember: Our circumstances aren't always the greatest, but we are born into a world where we have destiny. We can overcome.

We create fitness and wellness programs for people of ALL ABILITIES Hi my name is Jake. I am the founder of ZOOZ Fitness. We create fitness and wellness programs for people of ALL ABILITIES. Physical and/or cognitive challenges, lack of accessible environments, and lack of resources are just a few of the barriers that the special needs community must overcome on a daily basis, especially when thinking about starting an exercise program. These barriers lead to fear and anxiety, which we try to minimize with opportunities to live a healthy and active lifestyle. WHY ZOOZ FITNESS? I started ZOOZ fitness because I noticed that most of the young adults I worked with were living a very sedentary lifestyle. Long hours on the couch in front of the TV or an iPad were consuming there lives. Exercise for a lot of them was not something they had ever thought about. I wanted to help fight the growing rate of obesity within the special needs population and create not only adaptive and inclusive routines, but also routines that were active and more importantly fun! I have a background in personal training, sports, and martial arts. Movement of some kind has always been a part of my life and I wanted to share my passion and love of exercise with everyone! 5 Basic Movement Patterns Our individual and group sessions are designed to build on the 5 fundamental movement patterns; pushing, pulling, rotation, single step and double step movements, but also to increase self-confidence, self-esteem, energy, and create those much needed social opportunities. We have so much fun during our sessions and we always leave with a big smile on our face. So come join the ZOOZ Movement! Check us out at www.zoozfitness.com

Despite having no legs, I have lived my life to the fullest My name is Zachary Ruhl. I’m 26 years old and I was born with a birth deformity which led to having both legs amputated at the age of two. Despite having no legs, I have lived my life to the fullest. I started weightlifting in high school as part of my commitment to football. It was love at first lift and I never looked back, getting stronger every day since. As my skill set increased so did my competitive nature and I worked harder everyday to keep my high ranking in the Fieldhouse charts. I’ve opened up my own personal training studio From playing varsity football for C.E. King High School in Texas to winning a professional arm wrestling meet, I’ve managed to have success out of the competitive arena as well. I’ve opened up my own personal training studio called DNA Athletics with my good friend David Pullen and couldn’t be happier doing what I love. Dang that seems legit I first started cross-fit about a year ago. I originally saw the competitions on ESPN and thought to myself, “dang, that seems legit.” I immediately checked out crossfitjournal.com and began doing the WODs they posted. If I ever came across a workout I couldn’t do, I simply modified it to fit me. The first workout I did was called “Fran” and instead of doing Thrusters I did strict form shoulder presses and I totally gassed out. Even though Fran almost killed me, I began modifying my workouts to more of a crossfit style and shied away from the more traditional “body builder” workouts. Credit: http://zackruhl.weebly.com/bio.html

I wanted to keep her memory alive Hi I am Daniel and I am the founder of Kelsey's Heroes. I had a daughter with special needs and she passed away when she was young. I wanted to keep her memory alive and make sure that she would never be forgotten. I founded Kelsey's Heroes, the Coachella Valleys only year round sports league catering children with special needs. I invite you all to visit our facebook page to learn more and get involved! We have sports ranging from baseball to basketball to swimming and more. I am confident that there is something for everyone!

It helps him to release tension and also get exercise that he wouldn't normally get When Bryan first started playing baseball, he was not very familiar with the sport. However, after a few weeks of games and practice, he really started to get into it and pay attention. This is what we tend to see with most kids- they start slow but as time goes on, they improve and really enjoy the game. Bryan has the best time out on the field. It helps him to release tension and also get exercise that he wouldn't normally get. He has made friends that encourage and support him. And... we, the parents, have fun too!

People said he would never talk, and he has proved everyone wrong Adam is the most loving and kind child I have ever known. All he wants is to be normal, and treated like everyone else and that is why baseball has become the perfect sport for him. When he is on the field, he is just like everyone else. People said he would never talk, and he has proved everyone wrong. We love coming to Adam's games- we are his number one fans in baseball and life!

I spent the next few years in and out of different hospitals undergoing daily therapies, invasive treatments, and surgeries When I was 13 I woke up one morning and could not move or walk on my right foot. I had always been healthy, so this came as a shock. After a number of consults and progression of symptoms throughout my entire body to the point of being bedridden, in excruciating pain, unable to be touched, and my limbs developing contractures while being swollen and blue/purple in color, I was finally diagnosed with a chronic neurological disease associated with dysregulation of the central nervous system and autonomic nervous system that results in multiple functional loss in the bones, muscles, nerves, skin, and blood vessels. I spent the next few years in and out of different hospitals undergoing daily therapies, invasive treatments, and surgeries. With the support of my family, friends, and teachers, I was able to keep up with my school work and returned to high school my senior year. I managed to graduate on time and went away to college in Memphis and then to graduate school in Boston. My immune system had attacked my nerves, spreading quickly so I was exhibiting signs of quadriplegia I worked hard in college and double majored in Biology and Psychology as I was influenced so much by my health and how the two were intertwined. Because of my personal experience staying in the hospital so long and my interactions with all the kids and families I met, I also spent much time volunteering my time doing art projects with the kids at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital in Memphis. I also worked alongside the division chief of Radiation Oncology in the clinic and doing research on the effects of radiation on cognition, attention, and memory in children with brain tumors. While I was in Memphis things were not 100% with my health, but I was enjoying my life and did not let anything stop me. After graduating I moved to Boston to pursue my graduate studies where I obtained my M.S.Ed., specializing in severe special needs and my teaching credential. I worked full time with kids with various disabilities ranging from bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, Down Syndrome, Autism, and much more. I was enjoying life and couldn't be happier. But starting around late 2007, my health started to decline as my immune system seemed to get extremely weak. Finally, I became extremely ill with a terrible infection and ended up very suddenly in the ER with a spiking fever, my blood pressure dangerously low and heart rate dangerously high. My immune system had attacked my nerves, spreading quickly so I was exhibiting signs of quadriplegia. Again I wanted the life that all my friends had in their 20’s. I knew something had to change After years of working so hard with my recovery in my teens and resuming a more “normal” life, I was once more struggling and in a place of much frustration. Physically it seemed like I would never gain my independence. I was not progressing with my rehab and was only getting more fragile. Again I wanted the life that all my friends had in their 20’s. I knew something had to change. After sitting around brainstorming one day I decided I needed to try hippotherapy (horse therapy). I was never that girl running around in cowboy boots with all my breyer horses when I was younger. I knew nothing about horses! They only came into my life at a time when I needed them the most. I just knew that this was the one thing that was somehow going to help me; so I didn’t back down. From the first day I was paired up with Lusco, something changed within me. Interestingly, the movement and sensory input from the horse can be used to address things such as posture, balance, sensory integration, coordination, and mobility in people with disabilities. Once I started, I saw so many changes emotionally and physically, and I wanted to be challenged every day. You never know what can happen in life, how quickly things can change I’m now a Grade 1b para-dressage rider who trains with Lehua Custer Dressage at the L.A. Equestrian Center for the 2020 Paralympics. Dressage is a competitive equestrian sport where you’re required to perform a sequence of pre-determined movements with your horse. It’s sometimes referred to as “horse ballet.” Para-dressage is currently the only equestrian discipline in the Paralympic Games and was introduced in 1996, according to the Fédération Equestre Internationale. As para-dressage riders, we’re able to show and compete alongside our peers no matter our physical disabilities. You never know what can happen in life, how quickly things can change. This has given me back my life, my spirit. And my journey is still unfolding as it should be. I know I’m strong enough to handle anything and am grateful for all my family and friends who have supported me along the way.

His pain felt too great, a thick, dark cloud he could not escape Thirteen years ago, Devin Eshelman stood on the balcony of a three-story building, ready to end his life. His pain felt too great, a thick, dark cloud he could not escape. He did not really want to die, but he wanted the pain to end. And jumping seemed the quickest way out. Little did he know, God was about to rewrite his story in the most miraculous way. Devin was born and raised in San Diego, the son of divorced parents who offered him an idyllic childhood. During his junior and senior year of high school, Devin served as captain of his volleyball team. He went on to the local Junior Olympic volleyball team, participating in tournaments all over the country. “Life was easy and great,” he said. “There was nothing to complain about, but there were no real challenges either.” After graduating in the top 40 of his high school class, Devin began exploring college options. He selected UC Berkeley because he wanted to be challenged and desired a change of scenery. However, after arriving at the school, Devin struggled with loneliness. “I didn’t have the same support group I had growing up,” he said. “I didn’t have people to surround me if I failed or succeeded.” He developed poor study habits and pulled many all-nighters, stumbling to class exhausted most mornings. Depression sank in. To comfort himself, he began smoking marijuana. But the habit only exacerbated his loneliness. He eventually stopped going to class and dropped out of school. Devin’s depression spiraled from there Devin returned to San Diego, hoping to resume life as normal. But life only grew more complicated. His behavior became erratic, and his parents took him to a doctor, who diagnosed him with bipolar disorder. He began taking medication, hoping to get his mood back on track. But the meds did little to ease his pain. Devin struggled with the stigma of mental illness, ashamed that he’d been slapped with a diagnosis. “I could not accept that I was one of those people,” he confessed. Devin’s depression spiraled from there. He continued self medicating with marijuana, and his parents, concerned he had a drug problem, did not want him living at home. He moved in with a friend, and the vicious cycle continued. His father recommended a recovery home, where Devin went for a time. There, he learned marijuana was not his friend, but was in fact contributing to the troubles in his life. He wrote a letter to marijuana, in which he told the drug, “You are bad for me.” He hoped breaking up with pot would jump start his life on the right track, but the depression only deepened. He grew suicidal, convinced he was the worst person in the entire recovery home. Wanting a fresh start, Devin decided to relocate to Los Angeles. But his depression followed him there, haunting him further. He experienced extreme highs and lows, blowing money at the mall during his manic state and sinking into a suicidal state after he crashed. Doctors then diagnosed him with Schizoaffective disorder, a type of schizophrenic bipolar disorder. Desperate for help, he went to Alcoholics Anonymous and Marijuana Anonymous. There, he found folks who’d hit rock bottom, many who’d fallen into the hard core drug scene in Hollywood. But he didn’t find the hope he’d been looking for, and he left feeling lonelier than ever. The suicidal thoughts returned, and Devin checked into a mental hospital. One day, when it all seemed too much, he decided to end his life. He climbed onto the balcony of the three-story building and decided to jump. This is it, he told himself as his feet neared the edge and he prepared to take the fatal plunge. I’m ready to end the pain once and for all. He was alive – and received in a new life as a paraplegic But things did not go as planned. Devin awoke several days later from a morphine-induced coma and found himself in a rehab hospital in San Diego. He was alive – and lucky to be alive, according to doctors. After his fall, he’d been transported to the UCLA intensive care unit, where doctors performed an emergency operation on his severed spinal cord. A titanium rod now ran through his back. In addition, he was now paralyzed and would not walk again. As Devin lay in the hospital room recovering, another patient turned to him and said, “Hey, would you like to meet my brother- in- law? I think you’d be interested in his story.” Devin agreed to meet him. The man showed up and shared his incredible story with Devin, telling how he’d been a member of a drug cartel at one point in his life. Immediately, Devin was struck by the man’s presence. His eyes bore a sort of clarity Devin had never seen before. He knew something was different about his man. “So what happened to you?” Devin asked. The man smiled and uttered just one word. “Jesus.” Before he left, the man handed Devin a book. Devin poured over the book that night, intrigued. In it, he learned about Jesus, the one the man spoke of. He read of a God who sent his beloved son to earth to die for the sins of mankind. The words struck Devin deeply. “God, if you are real, I am gonna give this a try,” he prayed. “I have nothing else.” Devin surrendered his life to God Sitting there along in that hospital room, knowing he would never walk again, Devin surrendered his life to God. He confessed that he was a sinner, then proclaimed that Jesus was Lord. He then spent the rest of the night talking to God about everything he’d done in his life. He knew right then and there that he had been forgiven and would never be the same. The next morning, when Devin awoke, he felt like he was 12 years old again. Even as he lowered himself into his wheelchair, unable to feel anything below his waist, an inexplicable joy radiated through him. After feeling like a monster for so long, lost in the darkness, he now felt complete vitality. He rejoiced, knowing he had walked out of that darkness and into the light. He was now in the presence of God. For the rest of the day, Devin prayed and read his Bible. He remembered the man’s clear, peaceful eyes, and then he fully understood – the man had found true life. And now, so had he. Devin would never be alone again. Back home at his parents’ house, Devin adjusted to life in a wheelchair. His family constructed a ramp in the backyard, and everyone sacrificed to help him get around. But instead of focusing on his disability, Devin focused on Jesus. He knew the encounter he’d experienced in that hospital room had been real. God had saved him. He had a purpose for his life and wanted to use him mightily. Devin returned to school and obtained a psychology degree. He began volunteering with NAMI, the nation’s largest grassroots mental health education, advocacy and support organization. Eventually, the organization offered him a job. He began advocating for others, speaking to high schoolers about suicide prevention and drug addiction. He then went on to teach classes and facilitate support groups. His powerful story resonated with many. For fun, Devin began playing wheelchair tennis. There, he met a girl named Theresia, who’d had polio since she was born. The two bonded over their similar struggles and began dating. Teresia invited him to the Saddleback Church 35 year anniversary at Angels Stadium. Devin was blown away by the volunteers, the worship, and the enthusiasm of the pastors. More than anything, he was impressed by the impact Saddleback seemed to be making all over the world. “I stood there taking it all in and said to myself, ‘All right. I’m in. What do I have to do?’” Devin said. He and Teresia began attending Saddleback together at the San Clemente campus. They then formed their first small group with two of Teresia’s friends. Devin found himself falling in love with Saddleback Church, and also with Teresia. After a casual dinner one night, he proposed to her, and she happily accepted...now they are married! He is playing wheelchair tennis and more... Today, Devin remains an active advocate for mental illness and loves telling his story to encourage others. He has spoken to thousands, sharing his powerful story at various schools, mental health clinics, seminars and churches. After winning a big tennis tournament in Florida in 2011, he hopes to win another one in 2017. Never deterred by his physical challenges, he also enjoys playing wheelchair basketball, surfing and coaching tennis. He and Teresia love being leaders for the new Saddleback campus in San Diego He does not focus on his handicap or bipolar diagnosis but instead keeps his eyes steady on his creator, the one who gives him purpose each day. He knows that even under the most difficult circumstances, including a terrible tragedy or an unbearable diagnosis, there is hope, purpose and healing in Jesus Christ alone.

There's nothing that can disable me from doing anything I set my mind to My names Quinn Waitley. I'm twenty one years old and I was born with Spastic quadriplegia Cerebral Palsy. My disability does not define me. Yes I use a wheelchair, yes I skateboard, yes I surf and most importantly yes I do all things because of Jesus! ... I may have a disability but there's nothing that can disable me from doing anything I set my mind to.