meet trent
SURVIVOR
This isn't about me. it never was.
In 2011, life changed.
I was told I'd die from complications of a rare autoimmune disorder called Guillain-Barre Syndrome. It began one day when I lost control of my hands and arms while trying to use my phone at work. The next day on the drive home from work, my legs failed me. My six mile trip home took two hours because my feet wouldn’t cooperate to push the pedals.
I was in the hospital the next day. It hit me that I could no longer move my legs. I received my diagnosis, along with the realization that I was paralyzed.
Fast forward 10 months. I was diagnosed with Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyneuropathy (CIDP). It's a slowly burning fire that wreaks havoc on my nerves and can result in permanent nerve damage.
instead of giving up, i leaned in.
I was gaining control of my legs, but went through two embolisms. At one point, I was down to approximately 18% lung capacity. This is when the doctors told me I needed to start to accept my fate: the CIDP and blood clotting were too severe. That wasn't going to work for me. I wasn't saying goodbye to my wife and kids.
i told my doctors THey were fired.
After I spent months learning to breathe again, with the help of music, incredible physical therapists, and a team of doctors behind me, we reached a milestone. My hips moved. Although I could not feel my legs due to the surgery, we had a game plan: WALK.
I was offered an opportunity with the Adaptive Training Foundation. This program for veterans and others who have had life-altering injuries and illnesses. ATF helps its members get back on their feet. Literally. Not just for themselves, but for others. After their incredible support, I took the first steps on my own after 5 years, 10 months, 25 days, and 5.5 hours.
ATF’s out-of-the-box philosophy to healing inspired me to adapt. We used PVC pipe, golf balls, tape, and compression stockings for both my knees and ankles. Far from the typical items in rehabilitation, there was a plan. Our legs are the “shock absorbers” to our spine, dissipating force so our spine is protected. The items were used to prevent the shock absorber action of my legs from losing vibration as it traveled up to my hips. Once the vibration reached my hips, I was able to use the muscles and tissue in the same fashion as piano keys to move my legs forward. The best way I can describe it is a form of echolocation since I did not have the proprioception of where my legs are when I walk.
During the program, I encountered and became friends with some of the true salt-of-the-earth veterans and first responders who have served this country. I spent time hearing their stories and their struggles. The suicide rates among these amazing people are astronomical, estimated at 22 per day. After giving consideration, I decided the best way I could bring awareness to this tragedy was to compete in a half-Ironman competition and cross the finish line on my legs.
Hope advocate
this is a calling. i'm up to the task.
Suffering is universal. And I believe when we share our story with others, it's a catalyst for something much bigger than ourselves. I'm in the race for those who have lost their HOPE.
My journey has been an evolution.
I was told my diagnoses were going to be the end of the road for me.
I had to learn how to walk again with braces.
My marriage and personal relationships were challenged more than ever before.
But.
I also completed a half-Ironman.
I wrote my first book.
My faith became even stronger.
i stepped into unconventional hope.
author
Written from the perspective of my service dog, Gunner Speak provides a unique perspective on what it means to serve.
mESSENGER
you have to commit. mind, body, soul.
When we take those moments in life where we suffer, and we share our experiences with others, that load is lifted. But we all have the ability to inspire if we approach life with our spirits first.
If you're wanting to ignite HOPE in your life, be it personal or professional, you've come to the right place. I won't just give a speech or consult you. I'll be present with you.
i'll cross the finish line with you.