I usually don’t read my alumni magazine. As I stood by my recycling bin I opened a page randomly to a huge photo of my best guy friend from Duquesne University, Ed Petner. He and I were leaders in Residence Council which launched my career. Ed was very service oriented, and I remember him explaining how he was going the path of the Wharton School and Wall Street first with a focus on ethics.  His worldly success screeched to a halt on August 23, 2003 when he was hit by a car while biking to work. It left Ed paralyzed from the waist down.

“Defeat was never an option for me” was the headline of the magazine article and what Ed said to the reporter when recounting his childhood of losing his mother at age 5 and his father at age 12. I’m continually amazed at Ed’s positive attitude and how he inspires others.  This reminds me that we have choices in our attitudes regardless of what we face, whether job loss, career frustration, relationships ending, or a loved one’s death.

Ed embodies his drive and heart of service by using his swimming passion to raise money for charities.  Recently he swam 18 miles in his neighborhood pool with a goal of 26 to raise money for the Christopher and Dana Reeves Foundation which is dedicated to curing spinal chord injury. He’s still at it. Recently he shared a video of the Duquesne University swim coach saying that the swim team is dedicating every meter and yard to Ed this summer.

Yes, you understood this right: A 65 year-old guy swimming 26 miles in a summer…who is paralyzed!

If you are inspired, please consider a contribution to help Ed reach his $20,000 goal toward helping cure spinal cord injuries CLICK HERE. \]

For an excerpt on Persistence from Karen’s Book, Help Wanted, CLICK HERE. 

For an excerpt on Resilience from Karen’s Book, Help Wanted, CLICK HERE. 

The posts will also give you links to 10 free excerpts as well as to order the book.