From Inception...

Tonight we had the honor and privilege to meet a young man who has nothing but the most positive outlook on life, whose attitude is infectious with every word he speaks. One who doesn't see adversity, but opportunity to overcome and win. Someone that has no limitations and has gone far beyond any and all "expectations" and has never missed a goal he has set out to achieve. He is Bobby Greco Jr, the offensive coach of St. John Fisher. 


Only Bobby suffers from Arthrogryposis, (you can read about here) which has him bound to a wheelchair. He has the ability to move his neck and wiggle his fingers and toes, that's it..but you'd never know it. Five minutes after meeting him his disability disappeared and we were laughing and telling stories and he has the vibrant energy in his voice any 23 year old does. You see during the few hours I spent with him I began to think what Bobby may be missing out on in life, simple things like running in a park, riding a bike, but Bobby doesn't see those as missed opportunities but advantages to do other things....such as swimming in his backyard pool, or play goalie in a game of street hockey with his friends! 

First visit with Bobby

Bobby also has about 6 other friends, 4 of which he's known since as young as 4 years old. These young men are also Bobby's aides who most of the time never leave his side. Kyle and John I got to meet tonight, Kyle also known as "Shrek" at some points had to adjust Bobby's feet, put pillows behind his back, and give him a drink when he wanted it. Of course there is a lot more as they went on to describe, such as the lift they need to get Bobby from the chair to the bathroom or bed or anywhere else he wants to go. Did I mention that Bobby has 100% feeling in his body too? Like you and I, Bobby can feel the discomfort, the pain only he can't do anything about it. Have you ever sat too long and had to get up and stretch your legs, your rear-end hurt because of a hard chair or an uncomfortable position you've been sitting in...so does Bobby, but he can't get up and stretch or shift his body to a more comfortable position, he lives in constant pain and discomfort and cannot do anything about it. Only he doesn't let it bother him, at least as far I could tell. 


I've been asked to produce a film based upon the his life. What I found tonight is something far more remarkable than I could have ever imagined, a story of triumph over adversity and of hope and encouragement. What it means to have people to support you, but to be that person supporting. That life is just a series of events and every moment we have is an opportunity. This will be a remarkable story and I thank Bobby for teaching me, encouraging me and inspiring me in those few short hours.