I Define Me

When we think of a bodybuilder, what are some of the words that come to mind? Strong, certainly, but also agile, muscular, flexible. The image that accompanies these words is probably something we might see in a fitness magazine or even a classic marble sculpture—an “ideal” body with perfectly symmetrical dimensions and supermodel looks. One … Read more

  At the top of Ben Jackson’s Facebook page there is a two-line statement of purpose: “Born with every reason to quit, but chooses to spend everyday day striving for greatness.” Glib inspirational sayings are a dime a dozen on Facebook, but this one carries a lot more weight, especially when you consider the source. … Read more

Jennifer Johnson is one of those heroes who hides in plain sight. A native of San Diego, California, she is known for her ambitious athleticism, her wicked sense of humor, and her spirited community activism. As a spokesperson for athetoid cerebral palsy, Jennifer travels to schools and other organizations to promote understanding and awareness of … Read more

Our “I Define Me” award winner John W. Quinn is a man rich with stories. These stories stem from the challenges John has faced throughout his life. Being born with cerebral palsy in the early 1960s was only one of those challenges. But the determination that helped him overcome his physical limitations and rise above … Read more

By 1968, the world was full of innovations that would change the future. The audio cassette, compact disc and video had been invented. The first computer with integrated circuits had come upon the scene, along with RAM and even a very early version of the internet. Among medical inventions, the defibrillator was being used in … Read more

The legend of Gregory Allen Smith, aka “Gregory Iron,” is half fairy-tale, half gritty docudrama. Born to disadvantaged circumstances in almost every aspect of his life, Greg grew up a plucky and determined kid with a fierce loyalty to his family and an ambition undaunted by the challenges he faced. It’s probably only a matter … Read more