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About
Profiles
Speaking
Store
Podcast
PEOA Award
Collective

Profiles

Meet the authors Behind “Pulling Each Other Along,” who have shared incredible human kindness stories in the book that focus on what motivated them to continue and succeed in life. These helped individuals move toward greatness, bringing change to the mindset of those who learn from these great examples.

Dave Clark

“Why We Pull”

Dave Clark

“Why We Pull”

Dave Clark is the only professional baseball player that went from crutches to pitch and has inspired the PEOA Book. However, his achievements go far beyond sports. He is also a Polio survivor who turned his limitations into helping and inspiring through sports events with professional teams called Disability Dream & Do (D3Day.com). In addition, Dave is an author, speaker, and main character of the children’s book “A Pound of Kindness.”

Rocky Bleier

“A Mystery Soldier, My Brother, An Unknown Comrade”

Rocky Bleier

“A Mystery Soldier, My Brother, An Unknown Comrade”

Not falling within the ideal of what a running back should look like, Rocky Bleier had to run harder and play smarter to stand out. Despite his drive and ability to make the big play, the Pittsburgh Steelers only considered him a late-round pick. Before the season ended that first year, he was drafted again. This time, by the U.S. Army. Receiving wounds from both rifle fire and grenade fragments in his legs, he was barely able to walk, and his professional football career seemed to have ended before it began. However, Bleier did not let these circumstances stop him. He made the Pittsburgh Steelers and eventually became a starting running back on a team that won four Super Bowls and became the greatest football team of the 20th century.

Beth Hodges

“My Polished Gem”

Beth Hodges

“My Polished Gem”

Team Liza is a mother-daughter duo race team made up of Beth James and her twenty-five-year-old daughter Liza. In 2004, Beth and her three kids were in a serious car crash in Oklahoma after colliding with two drag racers. While Beth and her two other children were largely unharmed, Liza took a much larger hit and suffered a traumatic brain injury, leaving her permanently nonverbal and unable to walk. However, Beth wouldn’t let the “can’t” define her daughter’s future. As a result, the duo made history by becoming the first mother-daughter duo to complete an Ironman at I.M. Wisconsin and in the Ironman World Championship in Kona, Hawaii.

Bob Babbitt

“Jim and Emmanuel Pull the Rest of the World’s Challenged Athletes Along”

Bob Babbitt

“Jim and Emmanuel Pull the Rest of the World’s Challenged Athletes Along”

Bob Babbitt is the co-founder of The Challenged Athletes Foundation, a foundation that empowers lives through sport. He believes that the high costs of adaptive sports equipment and lack of resources should not keep individuals with physical challenges from being active. He is also an inductee into the Ironman Triathlon Hall of Fame and the USA Triathlon Hall of Fame. To find out more about The Challenged Athletes Foundation, go to www.challengedathletes.org. To find out more about Bob Babbitt, go to www.babbittville.com.

Chris Nikic

“Our Very Own Piece of Bamboo”

Chris Nikic

“Our Very Own Piece of Bamboo”

Chris Nikic set a new world record by being the first person with Down Syndrome to complete a 140.6-mile Ironman. His mission is to inspire others like him to pursue their dreams and goals. Some of his achievements are a documentary on NBC, ESPN Special feature, an invitation to the 2021 Ironman Hawaii world championships and the 2022 Special Olympics USA Games.

Dave Stevens

“One Strawberry Shake-up for My Friend and I”

Dave Stevens

“One Strawberry Shake-up for My Friend and I”

Dave Stevens is the only legless player in history to have played NCAA football (Augsburg University, MN) and minor league baseball (St. Paul Saints). The seven-time Emmy-winning sports journalist is now a motivational speaker and television host as he nears forty years in broadcasting (twenty with ESPN). The father of three is also a professor at Quinnipiac University and oversees the new Ability Media initiative at the college to teach broadcasting to disabled students and create job opportunities.

Dana Zumbo

“Zappos Adaptive Puts Their Best Foot Forward”

Dana Zumbo

“Zappos Adaptive Puts Their Best Foot Forward”

Dana Zumbo is Business Development Manager for Zappos Adaptive, Zappos.com’s curated shopping experience of functional, fashionable products to make life easier, which she helped launch in 2017. Dana worked with and on behalf of the disability community for nearly as long as her professional career expanded. The joy of seeing the positive impact on others’ lives continues to drive her.

Laura Chagnon

“With Every Rose a Thorn”

Laura Chagnon

“With Every Rose a Thorn”

Laura Chagnon is a published poet who can’t hold a pen or see words on a written page. She is quadriplegic and legally blind from an assault on her twenty-sixth birthday, on November 4th, 1989. However, Laura does not let her challenges define her. She spent four years in a rehabilitation facility when doctors wanted her to be institutionalized. Since then, she has published seven books of poetry and is a motivational speaker in correctional facilities to give hope to others whose lives are broken.

John & Mark Cronin

“Turning Challenges into Opportunities”

John & Mark Cronin

“Turning Challenges into Opportunities”

Mark X. Cronin is a social entrepreneur who co-founded John’s Crazy Socks with his son John. John’s Crazy Socks is a social enterprise with a mission to spread happiness and show what people with differing abilities can achieve. Recognized as an Entrepreneur of the Year by EY, Mark is a noted advocate, author, and public speaker.

Auti Angel

“All Obstacles Are ‘Over-Come-able’”

Auti Angel

“All Obstacles Are ‘Over-Come-able’”

In 1992, Auti Angel, a professional dancer on her way to stardom, faced devastation when she experienced a life-threatening car accident that left her paralyzed from the waist down. Auti has experienced life’s challenges that would later become her tool to help mentor others through their struggles. Returning to her first love, she pioneered wheelchair hip-hop dancing worldwide. Next, she pursued her career in music and acting. Auti is currently one of the stars of the Best Reality Series “Push Girls” and starred in the HBO film “Musical Chairs.” She has become a true symbol of survival and overcoming adversity.

Tim Walsh

“Pull”

Tim Walsh

“Pull”

Tim Walsh is a toy and game designer, speaker, author, filmmaker, and founder of The Playmakers, a company connecting people through play and the power of stories. John Spinello invented the classic game Operation in 1964. John sold his game idea to a toy invention firm for $500. The game was then licensed to Milton Bradley, modified, and released a year later. Today, it’s estimated that over 50 million copies of Operation have been sold around the world.

Ava Paige

“Pick’n and Kick’n Cancer”

Ava Paige

“Pick’n and Kick’n Cancer”

Ava Paige is a 16-year old country music artist that is not your average up-and-coming young hopeful. She is a marvel at conveying the emotion necessary to allow audiences to truly feel the lyrics. She has several music industry awards, including Best Singer/Songwriter in the 2019 Nashville Scene Readers Poll. Ava has been playing live shows in Nashville for many years and has a standing gig at The George Jones. In addition, she performs at iconic venues such as The Listening Room and The Bluebird Cafe. Unfortunately, Ava was diagnosed with leukemia just before her 15th birthday. To pay it forward, she formed her own charity, Pick’n and Kick’n Cancer With Ava. www.avapaigemusic.com.

Jamal Hill

“A Drop in the Bucket: Words from a Water Sage”

Jamal Hill

“A Drop in the Bucket: Words from a Water Sage”

Jamal Hill was only 10 years old when his body started to fail him. He experienced total paralysis, and doctors considered amputating his right arm—the diagnosis: Charcot-Marie-Tooth (CMT). CMT threatened to alter Jamal’s entire life, including his passion for swimming. But through sheer will, faith and determination, Jamal has regained his mobility. Today, at 24, Jamal is ranked number one in the U.S. Paralympic 100 Free and number 22 in the world! He hopes to head to Tokyo as a member of the U.S. Paralympic Swim Team to bring home the gold.

Liv Stone

“The Victor’s Feet Don’t Touch Sand”

Liv Stone

“The Victor’s Feet Don’t Touch Sand”

Liv Stone is a congenital bilateral above the elbow amputee that is on a journey to inspire others and be the best she can be. In April of 2019, she moved to San Diego to pursue her newfound love and passion for surfing. She won her first individual gold medal at the 2020 ISA Para Surfing World Championships in the Women’s Stand 1 division. Liv is also a model and speaker. She has big dreams of becoming a Paralympic champion in the Paralympics someday. Check her out on Instagram at @livv.stone.

Dr. Lauren J. Lieberman

“My Best Teachers are the Children”

Dr. Lauren J. Lieberman

“My Best Teachers are the Children”

Lauren J. Lieberman is a Distinguished Service Professor at The State University of New York at Brockport. She teaches Adapted Physical Education in the Kinesiology, Sport Studies, and Physical Education Department. Furthermore, Lieberman is the founder and director of Camp Abilities Brockport, an educational sports camp for children with visual impairments. She recently completed a Global Fulbright Scholarship, where she started new Camp Abilities programs in Ghana, Ireland, and Brazil.

Ieva Robinson

“My Guardian Angel ~ Rhodella Brown

Ieva Robinson

“My Guardian Angel ~ Rhodella Brown

Ieva Robinson was born in Vilnius, Lithuania. She is an ex-professional basketball player and student-athlete. Robinson received a Bachelor of International Business from Wagner College and MBA from West Virginia Wesleyan College. Currently, she is a mother of two and works as a teacher for Business, Math and English.

Mike Smith

"Suddenly Left Handed"

Mike Smith

"Suddenly Left Handed"

Michael Dream Chaser Smith is a Category PTS 4 representing the Army World Class Athlete Program and the Team Psycho Elite Development Program in the sport of triathlon. He is the first above-elbow amputee to return to active duty in the U.S. Army and founded the nonprofit Swim Bike Run 4 Equality to increase diversity in triathlon sports. He is currently training to land a position with the 2024 Paris Paralympic Triathlon team.

Amy Palmiero-Winters

“My Family, My Strength, My Grit”

Amy Palmiero-Winters

“My Family, My Strength, My Grit”

Amy Palmiero-Winters is a world-class runner, ultra-runner, triathlete, adventure racer, extreme endurance athlete, Sullivan Award Winner, ESPY Winner, and world record holder. She is the only amputee to have competed on the Team USA ultra-marathon world team, the first amputee to complete the Western States 100, and the first female amputee to complete Marathon des Sables. To this day, she continues to compete and set records and firsts to this very day. She also is an author, speaker, mentor, mother, and founder of the One Step Ahead Foundation.

Dr. Amanda Kloo

“Angel Duck”

Dr. Amanda Kloo

“Angel Duck”

Amanda Kloo is the Director of Inclusive Recreation at National Inclusion Project, a nonprofit helping community organizations and recreation programs meaningfully include children with disabilities. She is a veteran special educator and advocate. She believes learning, health, creativity, and play are possible and fundamental for everyone. Amanda is also a coach and adaptive athlete with Cerebral Palsy who provides free health and fitness training to children and adults with disabilities. She is passionate about inclusion and the power of play—because no child should have to sit on the sidelines.

Brandi and Gavin Lawrey

“HOPE, Bravery, and a Side of Sass”

Brandi and Gavin Lawrey

“HOPE, Bravery, and a Side of Sass”

Brandi and Gavin Lawrey are a fierce mother and son duo. Brandi, a certified nursing assistant and massage therapist, abandoned her career to become Gavin’s full-time caretaker over a decade ago. Together, their unbreakable bond can be seen in Gavin’s photography and zest for life. Gavin received a State of Michigan Special Tribute Honor. Brandi’s daughter, Makenzie, became a published author at age nine, with a book raising awareness and funds for Gavin’s fight. She was also awarded the Heartstrings Award for her fundraising efforts to support the United Mitochondrial Disease Foundation.

Marnie Schneider

“Fly Like an Eagle”

Marnie Schneider

“Fly Like an Eagle”

Marnie’s life has been driven by sports—particularly the Philadelphia Eagles. Her grandfather, Leonard Tose, was the Eagles owner and founded the Ronald McDonald House. His dedication to family, charity and sports taught Marnie the importance of giving back—something she has carried forward into her career in the nonprofit sector. Marnie worked at the world-famous NFL FILMS after graduation for legendary filmmaker Steve Sabol. In addition, Marnie and her maverick mom Susan are the authors of the popular children’s book series “Football Freddie and Fumble the Dog: GameDay.”

Austin Booth

“Living for the Dash”

Austin Booth

“Living for the Dash”

Austin Booth was born with a heart defect despite his mother being recommended to end her pregnancy. Now a thriving teen, Austin is full of life despite 22 heart surgeries and other concurrent rare conditions. Austin is an honorary member of “The Punishers,” a Law Enforcement Motorcycle Club whose members consist of current/retired law enforcement, military, firefighters, EMS, and a select few like-minded individuals.

Kyle and Brent Pease

“I Didn’t Come to New York City to Quit”

Kyle and Brent Pease

“I Didn’t Come to New York City to Quit”

The Pease Brothers have completed more than seventy-five races together since 2011, including four IRONMAN triathlons and countless other endurance races. In October 2018, the brothers made history as the first brother duo to complete the IRONMAN World Championship in Kona, Hawaii. Together, they empower athletes with disabilities to compete in the multisport and endurance world through their nonprofit organization. The Kyle Pease Foundation promotes success for young persons with disabilities by providing assistance to meet their individual needs through sports and competition. Since its inception, it has championed more than one hundred athletes across sixty events.

Willie Robinson

“Fresh Prince Willie; Chasing B”

Willie Robinson

“Fresh Prince Willie; Chasing B”

Willie Robinson is an American Football coach in Germany, husband, and father of two daughters. Willie grew up in the rough part of Washington, D.C. His love of football became his escape with the help of many friends and family along his storied path. The journey may have begun humble, but his mother calls him the “Traveling Man” as his journey has taken him around the globe. A scholarship athlete at Kutztown University & Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns. Many consider Willie the Fresh Prince of McLean and the original “Blindside” story.

Baxter Humby

“The One-Armed Bandit”

Baxter Humby

“The One-Armed Bandit”

Baxter Humby is known as “The One-Armed Bandit” due to his missing right hand, which was amputated at birth just below his elbow after becoming entangled with the umbilical cord. He became the first World Champion with One Hand in Muay Thai. He ran for the Paralympics in Barcelona in 1992. He worked as a stunt double for Tobey Maguire in the film Spider-Man 3 as Spiderman, in which he punches through Sandman’s chest. He was also featured in the music video of the song “Renegades” by X Ambassadors.

Jay Lawrence

“It’s How You Deal with the Challenges”

Jay Lawrence

“It’s How You Deal with the Challenges”

Jay Lawrence is somebody who has seen life from two totally different perspectives. For the first twenty years, he was the all-around popular athlete with success written all over him. Then, just twenty-one days before his twenty-first birthday, Jay fell asleep driving and woke up to having near-complete paralysis from the neck down. But, drawing strength from his strong belief in God, Jay has persevered and now owns one of Florida’s most successful minor league football franchises, the Florida Stingrays. He is also creating a new professional football league, allowing fans to purchase shares of stock in both the league and the team within the league.

Bonnie Mann

"Team Queen B"

Bonnie Mann

"Team Queen B"

Bonnie Mann grew up overcoming obstacles when at a young age, she unknowingly then became a member of the “Me Too” Tribe at age 7. Navigating challenges has been a driving force her entire life and ultimately placed her on the path of becoming a World Champion Professional Boxer, Motivational Speaker, Writer, and elected into 2 Boxing Hall of Fames. Additionally, Bonnie served as a Marine and is currently the General Manager of Jim’s Gym and a Certified Personal Trainer.

William Schreiber

“Dynamic Duo: Superheroes to Autism Kids & Families”

William Schreiber

“Dynamic Duo: Superheroes to Autism Kids & Families”

William Schreiber writes for the Southwest Florida Community Foundation, whose mission is to cultivate regional change for the common good through collective leadership, social innovation, and philanthropy to address the evolving community needs in Lee, Collier, Charlotte, Hendry, and Glades Counties. Providing ongoing support for Family Initiative, the Foundation awarded the vital nonprofit a 2020 Community Impact Grant.

Courtney Runyon

“A Paralyzed Walk Home”

Courtney Runyon

“A Paralyzed Walk Home”

Courtney Runyon is a motivational speaker, writer, and world traveler. As an autoimmune survivor, she has inspired hundreds of thousands of people through her social media to find the strength, gratitude, and faith necessary to overcome their own mental and physical roadblocks. Courtney’s story of recovery and renewal has been featured in major media outlets, including The Daily Mirror and The Daily Star. Her appearance on Dallas’ ABC TV station, WFAA Channel 8 News, won an Emmy in 2018. She is currently traveling the world, exploring different ways to heal while organizing speaking gigs and women’s retreats to share her alternative healing method.

Dick & Rick Hoyt

“Yes, You Can”

Dick & Rick Hoyt

“Yes, You Can”

Dick and Rick Hoyt are the inspiring “Team Hoyt,” a father-son duo who has advocated for people living with disabilities. They spread the belief of “Yes, You Can” through their participation in numerous athletic events worldwide. Since 1977, Dick has competed with Rick in over 1100 race events, including marathons—32 of which are Boston Marathons—duathlons and triathlons.

Mindy Scheier

“Because Fashion Was in His Jeans”

Mindy Scheier

“Because Fashion Was in His Jeans”

Mindy Scheier, a fashion designer and mother of a child with a disability, founded Runway of Dreams Foundation in 2014 to broaden the reach of mainstream adaptive clothing and promote people with disabilities in the fashion industry. She started her journey after her son Oliver, who has a rare form of muscular dystrophy, wanted to wear jeans to school like his friends. To further represent the community, Mindy launched Gamut Talent Management in 2019, a management company that connects industries with the population of people with disabilities to rebrand the way people with disabilities are viewed, marketed to, and represented in the mainstream world.

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