lundi 8 septembre 2014

New Member Here

My name is Nathan, I'm 31 years old and was born with Spina Bifida Myelomeningocele and Hydrocephalus. For the majority of my life, I've been healthy thankfully. When was 23 years old and in the middle of my college academic career, I was diagnosed with renal (kidney) failure and spent nearly three years on hemodialysis. During that time, I was in school for about a year-and-a-half full-time and then reluctantly left to focus on my health. I was given the gift of a kidney transplant from a live donor whom also happens to be my dad through a protocol called the "A.B.O." Incompatible Kidney Transplant in Los Angeles back in 2009. I returned to school and graduated with my degree in Business and am now working for myself.



I played wheelchair basketball for over 20 years with an adult team and spent one year with a youth team when I was in high school and was able to travel out of state. I've worked in collegiate athletics and interned for a semi-professional hockey team as well. In additiion, I've coached basketball at the high school and middle school levels. Finally, for nearly two years I was the director for a youth sports league for children with special needs. Now I spend my time consulting with nonprofits and am asked to give speeches in my community.



At this point in my life, I think the only part missing is a relationship. I've been on dates with a few women but could never secure a long-term relationship. I suppose that's been my biggest struggle. Hopefully that will change in the near future.



I look forward to contributing here and letting anyone here know that despite having Spina Bifida (or knowing a family member or friend who does), it doesn't have to let it stop us even if there are setbacks. Sometimes these setbacks are there to give us opportunities to go on to something greater than we had imagined for ourselves in the first place.





New Member Here

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