At less than a year old, doctors’ gave Zach Thurmond and Adam Rodriguez a long-term prognosis that was not optimistic. Zach and Adam have spent the last several years proving the doctors wrong every step of the way! Both young men share a common label: Cerebral Palsy, a label and diagnosis that neither are allowing to define who they are. While they are not verbally able to communicate, their occasional stubbornness and sheer determination have these two young men breaking down barriers. Showing those around them that perhaps the sky might be the limit, for everything else it simply takes putting your mind to any goal to find the capability to achieve your dreams.
Having left behind a large and supportive extended family, Zach’s family moved to San Antonio determined to give him a future of acceptance and inclusion. Zach may not use verbal words, but his smile is contagious and says it all ..a little mischievous smirk lets you know Zach is a jokester. He is also a friendly person, always encouraging smiles in everyone around him. Zach is also a born teacher, helping to inspire and lead, especially those who are younger. He does this mostly by helping them find their voices through the use of communication devices. Adopting the motto of “You Only Live Once,” Zach uses every moment to redefine the world's expectations of him by demonstrating his capability to do things on his own. He is still young, but there are no limits to his abilities.
Young and spontaneous, Adam spends his busy days striving to be just like his peers. He never hesitates to set goals for himself and show others that he can and will achieve them. Once, Adam practiced for weeks to demonstrate his talents at mutton busting, showing incredible patience and perseverance as he was reminded over and over to hold on! Doing just that, Adam was victorious in his role as star mutton-buster and his triumph was made loud and clear as he stood tall with two fistfuls of fleece as a trophy of his achievement. Never to be doubted, continuously breaking down barriers, Adam makes sure to show everyone around him how he's turning the odds in his favor. Zach Thurmond and Adam Rodriguez’s voices are being heard in our community. They are delivering a message of hope, encouraging community leaders to forge job opportunities and create an inclusive community where all voices are heard. Zach and Adam have a VOICE.. a loud voice for all those around them to hear.
Meet James “Jim” Madison
Growing up in a small-town, Jim was eager to escape. Young and naive, he started boot camp before graduating high school just to leave a broken life behind. Jim soon realized he wanted nothing more than to become a firefighter who is fearless and always ready to help, following closely in his dad’s footsteps. He set out knowing the world before him would be a big new adventure. But, little did he know, this big adventure would change his life forever both physically and emotionally.
Finishing boot camp as a young soldier, Jim set out to forge his own path. He met and married his wife, who he credits with forever changing his life for the better by encouraging a relationship with Christ that allowed him to create a solid foundation in young men through Sunday school classes. It would become these two fundamental decisions that would carry Jim through the tragedies he would experience on his life’s journey. Leaving active duty in 2001, Jim took a civilian firefighting position with the National Guard. His body was in rough shape after living through a number of incidents and injuries in the line of duty. In 2010, Jim’s body had been pushed hard, to the extreme, and he was medically retired following twenty years of service. Unfortunately, the hardships were far from over for Jim. In 2012, he received a cancer diagnosis that turned his world upside down once more. Jim faced a pretty long waiting list to receive treatment in South Carolina, so he and his family sold everything to come to San Antonio to receive treatment and start a new life. Feeling alone and isolated, Jim started to lose his drive and ambition that he had carried with him all his life. A depression began to envelope him as the realities of life stared him somberly in the face. That’s when Operation Comfort found Jim. Jim was reminded on what it meant to fight, to be strong, and to live with ability. Operation Comfort got him connected with hand cycling, which helped him to achieve the strength, determination, and attitude he needed to regain his independence. Re-aligning with his personal motto that he was “Stronger than all your excuses,” he refused to let his circumstances define him and he set out on a new path, a new journey of life. Jim has brought others into the Operation Comfort fold, encouraging their active engagement in the community, in life, and in seeking out their ability to succeed at whatever sport or activity they want to participate in. Jim is an advocate for our people with disabilities in our community, highlighting accessibility issues that often discourage independence and inclusion. Urging community leaders to be proactive in repairs of sidewalks and ramp accessibility, Jim is unstoppable. He strives each and every day to make those around him smile and to make the community a better place. Jim is a STRONG reflection of what it means to Have A Voice…. abilitySTRONG!