The Courage To Come Back
Nope not talking about me...but my cousin Sam. Sam is the newly elected mayor of Vancouver one of the largest cities in Canada. He'll be accepting the Olympic flag in Turin at the closing ceremonies on behalf of the city of Vancouver whom are hosting the next Winter Olympics in 2010. Sam, became a quadriplegic due to a skiing accident at 19 years old. A quad means he has no use of his arms nor his legs. After the accident, Sam went through depression and eventually found himself living on Welfare and wondering what his chances would be for his life's path. Unable to even feed himself he met a engineer whom designed a special device which allowed Sam to gain back some independence. Wanting to share his good fortune the idea of "TETRA" was born which matched disabled people with engineers to create specific devices for an individual to gain back independence. The organization Sam created, eventually spread to 35 countries world wide. He started a host of other activities, one was the Courage to come back Awards which is televised and gives credit to those whom have faced life adversities and come back. Readers Digest printed a story of his challenge, and last year he was inducted in the Order of Canada, our countries greatest honor. Along the way Sam took courses and is fluent in Chinese - a language most find hard to master but he wanted to be able to touch the Asian population that we have in Vancouver. Sam eventually found politics - becoming the longest member of council and this year made the leap to try to run for Mayor. He won! So he will be accepting the flag for us in a few days. Daunted by the challenge of having a disabled mayor accept the flag , it was suggested someone else do it in his place. Seeing this as a way to show the world that anything is possible if you put your mind to it..he found a way to have this done. Engineers designed a way that he could accept the flag without the chair toppling over and falling on his face , as he was quoted as saying. The challenge of the chair and the flag was met...next Turin officials would have to find a way to get him on the stage. I've heard that an elevator was designed in which he could accomplish this task. 2 billion people will be watching it is estimated. Sam you are such a wonderful role model. http://www.samsullivan.ca/bio.html Marianne and the boys |
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| Ok Marianne,
Your secret is out. It's in your blood. Not only are you awesome but your cousin is as well. Hearing that story is very inspirational. May he continue to go on and do amazing things!  |
| Wow an amazing person and what a inspirational story,
Thanks Marianne for posting about sam  |
| GOOD FOR HIM!!!!
Doug's BIL is a parapalegic, he runs an entire farm from his wheel chair and I am constantly amazed at what he does. All his farm equipment is handcapped accessible. He has lifts to get on and off the tractors and dozers, the gates have remotes. He hays, plants, feeds, waters, fixes fence and does everything required of a 300 acre beef farm with very little help from his wheel chair. He is the one who did all the dozing and grading of our property. I am constantly amazed at what the human spirit is cappable of. On those days that I wake up feeling whiney and woosey and want to crawl back into bed and complain because of some trivial ache or pain it's good to remember that our problems are small compared to what some people face every minute of every day. Thanks for sharing that. |
| Marianne,what an amazing story and what an amazing person he is! Sam has obviously already touched many hearts and lives,he is a true inspiration and wonderful role model for all...and now on stage at the Olympics,his story will touch the world!! You and your family must be so proud...thanks for sharing that wonderful story!! |
| I haven't been following the Olympics, but I will watch the closing ceremony now knowing Sam and his story. What an inspiration to the world's handicapped. |
| All I can say is "Wow". I never cease to be amazed at the power of the human spirit. Congrats to Sam! |
| WOW! What a wonderfully inspirational story. Your family is great, Marianne. I'll be sure to watch the closing ceremonies. |
| Wow Marianne...what a family you have....Good for him!! |
 I have been following the Olympics, and I will watch the closing ceremony now knowing Sam.   |
What a great story! |
| What a wonderful story about your cousin. He is an amazing man.
I can't wait to see the closing ceremony. |
| Well done Sam. You deserve the honours attributed to you. A really great person. |
| Thanks everyone! Even if we weren't related I think he's such a role model for so many.
Ginny I am going to tell him about Bill whom you spoke of. That's an amazing story too! This is pretty ironic as I wrote this post last night and tonight on our news it spoke of Sam and mentioned the international media has latched on to his story and he's being flooded by media all over the world. Despite it all, I'm sure he's still the same unasuming unpretensious person he's always been. He's extremely humble about all he's done. Marianne and the boys |
| Marianne,
That is a wonderful story! I would love to know more about TETRA. I have a 2 year old grandson that may benefit greatly from their services. I will look into this further for him. Tell Sam THANK YOU and God bless!!! |
| Wow, Marianne! What a heart-warming and inspirational story! Sam is an amazing man and truly deserving of all the awards and praises! Thanks so much for sharing this story with us.
Chris |
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