My philosophy is based upon determination, hard work, perseverance, and a personal desire to be the best I can be. I fundamentally believe that any obstacle can be overcome, and that obstacles can be turned into achievements. As strange as this may sound, I found my strength when I was at my weakest point.

An individual can not know their truest ability until they are faced with great adversity. -Unknown

I remember when it all began; I was in the process of losing my first kidney transplant. I spent six weeks in the hospital, and part of that time was spent in a coma. I went from 145lbs to 90lbs, I had ARDS (a lung condition) and my lungs were filling with fluid. The doctors told my mother and father that they did not think I would make it...

A week later while being wheeled back to my hospital room from the dialysis unit I decided that I wanted to take a shower. It was at that point when the reality of my situation hit me. I later wrote in my journal, "So many years of uncertainty and fear had been building inside of me. I looked at what was left of my physical self and it all came pouring out, what happened to me?"

I sat there huddled in the corner of that shower and cried for an hour. I came to a decision that night, a decision that would affect the rest of my life, a decision that brought a sense of peace to my shattered self. It was at that point, my weakest point, when everything changed. Since then I have had other obstacles to overcome, but my philosophy has helped me to turn them into achievements.

I have learned to adapt and overcome. Everyday I push myself; I train harder than the previous day and focus on the positives. By turning obstacles into achievements I have learned a great deal about my truest abilities. In posting my website, by training for, and competing in the Ironman, I hope to inspire others.

I will always remember that shower because it was at that point, my weakest point, where I found my strength.