George, a.k.a Eddie, was involved in a head-on collision on September 27, 2005. The other driver was under the influence of OxyContin and ended up driving down the wrong side of a highway in Florida. On the way to the hospital, he shares that he died four times but thankfully was brought back to life and was stabilized. The doctors had induced him into a coma for six weeks and when Eddie finally woke up, he found himself hooked to a ventilator and paralyzed from the chest down. 

When Eddie learned how to breathe on his own without the ventilator, he was transported from Florida to Las Vegas to be closer to his parents. Eddie really wanted to find a way in this new life and get back to work. While in a nursing home and physically recuperating, Eddie decided to go back to school online and graduated with an associate's Degree in Information Technology, specializing in Visual Communications. Since then, he was able to move out of the nursing home and discover DRIVEN.

Over the last 15 years, Eddie shared he had never received any physical or occupational rehab that lasted more than three weeks. Three and a half years ago, he found DRIVEN and has been able to write a book, become a motivational speaker, learn how to drive, go back to college, and helped him stand up for the first time since 2005.

"DRIVEN has given me back hope, determination, happiness, and a sense of community. "

Eddie said the last 18 years of being paralyzed have been very challenging and that he's come close to death several times. But he's accomplished a lot these past 3.5 years and is determined to continue defying the expectations of someone who is paralyzed. He shares that his faith keeps him optimistic and allowed him to accept his situation and view it in a positive way. 

Attending DRIVEN has guided Eddie to become a role model and big brother to many of the new members. As Eddie uses his injury and experiences to motivate and teach others, he feels as though there is more meaning to his life now than before his accident. Eddie continually looks forward to the achievements and influence he knows he will have in his future.

We met Eddie at the Wetlands Park for his photo session. He mentioned there was a trail he enjoyed and lead the adventure there. Eddie was great to work with and was a natural model.

If you are or know someone who enjoys inspiring and uplifting others through their personal stories, please feel free to contact us.