When Life Knocks the Hell Out of You, Beat the Odds
Joe Rhea's story is one of triumph, joy, and hard-won wisdom. His narrative illuminates a man who has discovered that life is not measured by how the body moves (or doesn't) but by how we respond to that movement. What makes his journey so profoundly compelling is that it is told with a rare vulnerability that can only come straight from the heart of a man who has lived every word.
Captivating Audiences Since 2002
SPEAKER | MOTIVATOR | AUTHOR | INSPIRATION
On the 11th of September in 1984, Joe’s life was irrevocably altered when he broke his neck on the football field. This accident caused him to be paralyzed from the neck down and, at only 14 years old, his doctors said he would never walk again. Joe did not back down when faced with this monumental challenge. He fought hard to recover and walk again, because he simply refused to let this crush him.
There are defining moments in all of our lives. What do you want to do when one hits? Joe hopes to teach everyone the skills to be able to do what he did: beat the odds. This is why he puts his time, energy, and effort into inspiring others to rise above their challenges and fight like an athlete.
"Our staff and team were touched by your story and by your inspirational message. Your story is a shinning example that serves as a reminder to all of us to welcome every day with the belief and desire to make a difference, and to focus our efforts on being the best that we can be."
Bill Self
Head Coach, KU Men's Basketball
"The story you told of Frank White made me yearn for a day when I can brighten a kids life if only a fraction as much as Frank was able to with you. Neither of my goals have been reached yet, so today, when you were delivering your message, I had to experience my second goal vicariously through you."
Chris Hayes
Kansas City Royals
"Thanks for your OUTSTANDING presentation. I heard today that last night may well have been the best annual meeting that Tri-County has had! We brought you back for a second time because you have a very compelling story, and you couldn't do it justice in the 20 minutes that you were allotted last year."