Featured Members
Jimmy Grissom
Jimmy Grissom was born with cerebral palsy and learned of life's challenges very early on. From the tender age of 18 months, he had to attend school to learn exercise to gain better use of his hands, arms, and legs. As he grew older and his desire to communicate developed, he also added speech therapy sessions to his learning. His parents divorced soon after his birth and he had to come to know his grandparents as his true paternal givers. All that Jimmy is, his knowledge of right and wrong, his beliefs, his strengths and yes, even some of his fears, he has gained through them. His goals in life are basic in nature. He wants what all who dream desire, to be independent, to have family and have his own home. The goals he has set for himself are not beyond his reach, as his grandfather often tells him, "Hard work pays off". He is furthering his education to become a Computer Technician and possibly work for such companies as IBM, Microsoft or maybe even Gateway. His life's challenges so far have given him the strength to continue where he may sometimes want to quit. Having experienced hardships such as loss of family, physical freedom and financial stability at an early age; Jimmy feels that he can do anything he sets his mind to. He has learned that the limitation of his body does not exist in his mind unless he chooses to let it. Jimmy is a true reality check to anyone that knows him. If he can succeed in life with his challenges, surely so can you.
Malek Mohammad
Malek Mohammad, perseverance and determination are what he is made of. Malek lived in Afghanistan his whole life. One day just like any other, Malek was gathering firewood for his family, when unexpectedly he stepped on a landmine. It blew off his right leg and threw him into the air. As he came back down he hit another landmine and ripped off his other leg. Thankfully, soldiers and security officials heard the blasts and came running to help. They took him to a hospital where they amputated both his legs below the knees at the age of 16. Loma Linda University Medical Center (LLUMC) was notified about Malek and wanted to help and arranged for him to come have surgery. He has undergone extensive surgeries and treatment for burns on his chest and arms. He is currently doing his physical therapy at Loma Linda University Medical Center East Campus. Not only has he learned how to walk with the help of prosthetics, but he can now play his favorite sport soccer again, and he's taken up hand cycling as well. Through Loma Linda University Medical Center and PossAbilities, Malek has stayed involved in all of his favorite activities. He has competed in two triathlons, he loves to swim, lift weights, play wheelchair basketball, volleyball, tennis, wheelchair rugby, and surf. His physical recovery has been remarkable and his determination shows through in his love for studying and learning new things. He is now attending school, learning English and living independently. His mind is strong and his determination inspires everyone that crosses his path. Malek is expected to return soon to Kabul, where he lives with his parents and seven siblings in a small cinder block house. He will continue his journey as he is surrounded by an ocean of newfound friends.
"North County Times", By Scott Bair North County Times
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