South Florida Man Advocates For Others Living With Paralysis
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MIAMI (CBSMiami) -- James "Woody" Beckham can get pretty physical. Like most former college athletes, he stays in shape by working out his muscles weekly. He's getting stronger, not to prepare for an upcoming sporting event; but simply to make his everyday life just a bit easier.
For Woody, that life changed on January 29, 2011.
"Life changed in a split second," he said.
The former Florida Atlantic University rugby player can clearly recall that moment.
"We were winning big. Everyone was really excited because it was a really big match for us. I came in for the tackle and I came in with my neck to his knee and kind of got a knee to the neck. I went straight down," he explained. "Ends up I suffered a C5-C6 vertebrae fracture in my neck. I knew instantly that I was paralyzed. I felt my neck twisted. I couldn't move. I could barely breathe."
Woody ended up at Jackson Memorial Hospital, where he spent two and a half months recovering.
A large chunk of that time was spent enduring grueling rehabilitation. Almost five years later, he's still in physical therapy.
"Some days you really don't want to be there. You're tired and sore. But you need to stay mentally tough," he said.
Tough is a word you'll hear Woody use to describe himself often. When asked "What do you think makes you a survivor?", he replied, "I think toughness. Just trying to make an impact in the world."
He's making that impact through the "Woody Foundation" and his "Woody Packs."
The bags contain all sorts of devices that Woody says help him accomplish basic daily tasks, like long straws to drink and adapted eating utensils, and even a modified cell phone case.
"It slides right onto my hand and I don't drop my phone. It looks pretty trendy, too," Woody said while demonstrating how to use the device.
His hope is to give others living with paralysis the sense of self-confidence and independence he now has.
Woody has a roommate, but he's pretty much on his own each day, doing everything for himself.
He spends his time watching the Miami Hurricanes, fishing with his dad, and even driving a car.
But there is one thing you won't catch him doing, and that's feeling sorry for himself.
"You kind of think, 'Why does this happen?' That's a negative way to think. I don't think in that light. I don't know why me. I don't think anyone can answer that question. It's a waste of time," he said.
Woody hopes to raise awareness and money on Saturday, December 12th and his third annual Woodystock event.
Tickets to the concert at Virginia Key Beach start at $20 for adults.
Proceeds benefit the Woody Foundation. CLICK HERE for more information.
