NEW PORT RICHEY, Fla. – An auto accident decades ago left today’s everyday hero with major life changing injuries.
But Mike White has no time for self-pity.
He has turned that tragic experience into a message of hope and encouragement for others. Wilson often talks to others about the day 30 years ago, that forever changed his life.
In August of 1992, when he was 20, the car in which he was a passenger was traveling at well over 100 mph when it went out of control, crashed through a guard rail, and flipped over a hill.
When paramedics arrived, he was asked if he could feel his legs. His answer was ‘no.’
White broke the C-6 and C-7 vertebrae in his neck, leaving him a quadriplegic. He has use of his arms and wrists but no dexterity in his fingers.
He often recalls his high days as an athlete and says those lessons learned through sports are invaluable to him today.
“To overcome adversity and still be able to function even on a bad day,” White says of his purpose and able to cope. “Even when things aren’t going so well.”
He spends his time still undergoing therapy sessions on his legs and he works out regularly.
Now a motivational speaker helping, listening to and encouraging others he speaks to many with struggles they face. He likes to say that adversity comes in many shapes and sizes.
To that end, White has written a book about his experience. Titled, “Return From the Edge,” he talks about the tragedy, the pain and depression and through will power and faith fighting his way back.
He also teaches what he calls a recovery course.
“I just celebrated my 30th year of celebrating life because I’m still alive,” he said. “I’m still here. God still gave me a purpose. God has a purpose for my life.
“Don’t let those things that you can’t do hold you back from accomplishing some things you can do. So stay positive.”
