| Join a growing number of schools and organizations that have invited John to share his story. His purpose is to promote awareness so that young adults understand the potential consequences of their choices and behaviors. |
| The Philadelphia Inquirer's Gloria Hoffner writes, "John's goodwill isn't paralyzed. John Merkins Jr., uses his disabilities to inspire and motivate others." |
|
John speaks on topics such as
|
" Don't let what you cannot do interfere with what you can do " - John Wooden - |
| A TIME LINE OF LIFE- CHANGING EVENTS 1973-John Merkins Jr was born a healthy baby at Delaware County Hospital in Pennsylvania. 1989-Beginning his junior year of high school, John was a 6’2” football player. One day at football practice he injured his right knee. The injury was initially diagnosed as torn ligaments, but was later discovered to be a rare form of bone cancer, osteosarcoma. After successful surgery to save the leg, John began grueling chemotherapy treatments. . 1990-During a routine body scan the doctors found that the cancer had metastasized to his lungs. At 17 John was battling a deadly disease that was rapidly spreading. His will to live allowed him to endure years of numerous surgeries and chemo treatments. 1996-John received his best Christmas gift. Finally there was a light at the end of the tunnel. The doctors told him that his cancer was in remission; John felt that he had a new lease on life. |
| 1997-At a party, three months later John accepted a ride that would drastically change his life. The car in which he was riding lost control and slammed into a tree. The accident left John a c/4 complete quadriplegic paralyzed from the neck down. He spent several months on a ventilator. “The ventilator was keeping me alive, I couldn’t even breathe by myself.” The prospects of a “normal” future did not exist. “I remember being really depressed. I just kept thinking why me. I spent months of just feeling sorry for myself.” |
| 1998-John eventually moved into a wheelchair community serving younger adults. " It turned out to be a great experience. I met some really nice caring people who I'm still friends with today". Soon John started to accept his new life confined to a motorized wheelchair. He operates the chair by “sipping” (inhaling) and “puffing” (exhaling) on a straw device. "It gives me the freedom to get around by myself again. I awoke one day and realized, I still had my mind and I still have a voice. The help from family and friends I gained the confidence to reenter the community and live my life to the fullest". 1999-John moved into his own apartment where he continues to live independently. " I wouldn't have it any other way. I know to never take anything for granted. I just love life". Since 2000 John has spoken at numerous schools and organizations as an Motivational speaker and youth mentor. He speaks on issues such as adversity, motivation, drinking and driving and the importance of making good choices. Since 2007 John has been employed by the Philadelphia Phillies " It has been such a surreal experience working during the teams success. The sounds of the crack of the bat and the crowd roaring are priceless ". John is living proof that you can succeed despite all of life's challenges. " I can still walk tall just in a different pair of shoes now " John can motivate all audiences with his message to never lose hope, to follow your dreams and live life to its fullest! "If I can help or motivate one life, than everything that has happened to me would be worth it." John truly is an inspiration to all. |
| John's Voice John Merkins Jr. John@JohnMerkinsJr.com 215-477-0222 |
| Thank you in advance for your support to make our community stronger. |
| Copyright © 2005 John Merkins Jr. |
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
| John returns home from doing his food shopping. " Being as self sufficient as possible enables me to live life to it's fullest." |
| Please send us your contact information |