Health Law

Man With Cerebral Palsy Serves as Inspiration

D.J. Gregory born 10 weeks premature with underdeveloped lungs. During the time he spent in the neonatal intensive care unit, he was given too much oxygen, and as a result he developed cerebral palsy. The final diagnoses of the disability was given to his parents at the age of two. At this time, he and his parents were told he would not be able to walk for the rest of his life.
 

However, a now 30-year-old Gregory proved doctors and doubters wrong when he walked all 3, 256 holes of the 2008 PGA Tour. He also proved them wrong just last Monday when he was seen at the Turtle Run Golf Course walking nine holes while playing his favorite sport of golf. Throughout the years, Gregory has proved to others, and himself, that whether you have a disability or not, you can redefine the odds.
 

Cerebral Palsy Victim Speaks to Students About Courage
 

During his recent visit to Savannah, Georgia, Gregory, who recently wrote the book 'Walking with Friends', was asked to speak to young adults about courage and the power that is within us all. Throughout his life he has inspired those around him with his many speeches, appearances, and round of golf (amongst other sports), so to Gregory the speech to the large audience was literally just 'a walk in the park.'
 

Gregory spoke to the youth of the Danville Public School Foundation to share his triumphant story and encourage them to also overcome obstacles and set goals within their own lives. After his speech to the youth he was the guest of honor at the Turtle Run Golf Course and spoke there, before hitting the green for a round of golf.
 

Golf Inspires Gregory to Work Toward Goals Despite CP
 

Gregory reportedly learned to play golf at the age of nine despite his disability and his father, struck by his fascination of the sport, took him to his first professional tournament when he was twelve. Since this time it became his lifelong dream to become one of the professionals who walked from hole to hole.
 

Gregory earned his master's degree in sports management and quickly discovered a way he could make his dream a reality. He received permission from CBS golf commentator Jim Nantz and the PGA commissioner and walked every hole of the 2008 PGA tour in
 

"When you set goals, it's not always easy. There will be bumps in the road. I did fall," Gregory told reporters. But he added that he confidently made his goal to fall only one time or less per week.
During his journey, Gregory gained respect from many professional golfers and has even formed lasting friendships with some, including Kenny Perry. His story of overcoming one of America's most infamous disabilities, cerebral palsy also prompted attention from local and national media outlets.

 

Full post as published by Cerebral Palsy Law Blog on September 17, 2009 (boomark / email).