When people see a wheelchair victim, people seem to think you've lost your brain. I need people to see that I hurt my neck, but I didn't hurt my brain.

I've had four surgeries, and I can walk now, but not by myself.

They've pushed me. They make you get up and do things you don't really want to do, but that's why you are here. They help you walk again.

I yelled for help so many times my lungs were getting hoarse. If my alderman, Alan Atherton, had not come out to smoke, he would not have seen me.