Former High School Athlete Loses Ability to Walk, but Doesn’t Give Up

Six years ago, Antonio Dowels was a 4.0 student on the honor roll and a star athlete (track and football) at his high school, with dreams of becoming either a pediatrician or NFL player. When he got into a car accident and lost all feeling in his legs, his whole life changed... but not his spirit.

"I was pretty much good at everything," the 24-year-old from Tampa, FL tells the Good News blog about his athletic ability before the accident. "Ever since I was a little kid, I played football… my whole family, we're really good athletes."

On April 27, 2007, Dowels was returning home after a long day of schoolwork and a track meet when he fell asleep behind the wheel and crashed into a semi truck. The truck dragged Dowels' car another 400 yards before stopping.

"It was the worst pain ever," he recalls. "Fortunately, I kept blacking out, so I don't remember much of it."

Dowels was airlifted to a hospital and immediately underwent a six-hour surgery. He broke his neck, and lost the ability to move his legs. He now uses a wheelchair to get around, but he's as focused as ever on his future. The inspiring young man graduated from the University of Florida and is headed to law school in the fall where he'll be studying sports law. "I was determined to be successful in life," he tells us.

Dowels' positive attitude has helped him keep perspective and focus on the good things he does have - intelligence, a supportive family, and drive. He often goes to events in his community as a motivational speaker, hoping to inspire others. "My true goal in life is to help the community and help kids," he says. "Just telling people my story and they see my outlook and me still being excited about life, that inspires them to not give up in their life."

The physical limitations of being paralyzed are a tougher challenge to conquer. Dowels relies on his family to drive him places, and with law school around the corner, getting around will be much more difficult for him.

He is currently participating in a contest in which the winner with the most votes gets a wheelchair-accessible van. A vehicle like this costs about $60,000, a figure well out of the realm of possibility for Dowels and his family. If you'd like to help this inspiring man become more independent as he pursues his dreams, head here to vote.

It's incredible that someone who has gone through so many challenges can remain so positive, but it comes easy to Dowels. "Obstacles show how strong you are," he says. "If you have a positive attitude and a loving family and support from other people, then anything is possible."

More of the Good News:
Student Motivated to Change Her Life Through Push-Ups
Teen with Down Syndrome Super Excited to Be Accepted to College
Ellen Celebrates a Teacher's Lasting Legacy