“I was working for Humble Oil (later Exxon) as a systems analyst, and I had been feeling fatigued. When I went to the doctor through my health insurance he really set me up, you know, with improper directions and the wrong medications. By the time … Continue readingHeart issues lead to medical disability retirement
“I’m taking classes to become a veterinary technician. I think that’s my calling. I want to work with animals. Actually, I think they’re better than people. They’re just more friendly. They’re full of love. “I really hate when I drive around and see all these … Continue readingShe has a heart for taking care of animals
“We met at a summer job and started dating. Then one thing led to another. I was a senior in high school and she was a junior. It was scary to be a parent at that age. First, you had to tell your parents.” How … Continue readingHigh school sweethearts still going strong
“When Jazmin was old enough to start talking but she wasn’t, we thought she was delayed. Finally, we took her to get tested and she had some hearing loss. Then it quickly progressed. “From age 2 to 3, she went from a slight hearing loss … Continue readingSevere hearing loss hasn’t stopped her yet
“I had a brain stem stroke in 1988 when I was 26, so I’ve had my physical challenges. My mind is great. It’s just the physical ability. “I’m not paralyzed, but I can’t walk because of the stroke. I’m naturally left-handed, but I can only … Continue readingSmall business owner doesn’t let stroke stop him
“Growing up with my biological mother wasn’t the most fun time ever. After she and my father split up and he moved down here to live in Texas, we were bouncing around from apartment to apartment. It was pretty crazy. I would never be able … Continue readingBiological mother ‘really doesn’t want me’
“When my dad moved down here to start a better life for himself, I was about 9 or 10. It was pretty traumatizing for me because I loved him so much. He is not my biological dad, but he is like the only dad I’ve … Continue readingHe feels like ‘the only dad I’ve ever had’
“When I moved down here, I began staying with my aunt, who is my dad’s sister. She took me in as part of her family. She adopted me to her heart. She really became my mom. She would do anything for me. “In May 2012, … Continue readingHis ‘Texas mom’ was always there for him
“When I was young, I always wanted everything to go well and for everyone to be happy. If something bad was going on I would say, ‘Don’t forget to smile. Everything is going to be OK.’ “When I would run away from my biological mom’s … Continue readingHe continues to smile in the face of life’s challenges
“I started making YouTube videos about five years ago. The biggest reason was to help remind people that they’re never alone. No matter what they’re going through, they can count on me and others to always be there to support them. “I’ve gone through a … Continue readingYouTube videos are his form of therapy