Making Great Strides
by Christian Piatt

Out of respect for client confidentiality, the name "Jack" has been used in place of the client's full name throughout the article. The image below is a model and is not an actual depiction of "Jack."

The first time I met Jack, his appearance made a distinct impression upon me. His wheelchair was not the initial thing I noticed, maybe because I knew he was limited in his mobility ahead of time. What drew my gaze immediately was the fuzzy, lopsided leopard-print hat he donned upon his sleek, bald head.

"You're Christian," came a voice from a corner meeting room as I entered Samaritan House. The words rested somewhere between a question and a declaration. I nodded to the figure in the shadows, and he emerged smiling as he rolled up to greet me. He had been waiting for me, which was gracious, considering his busy schedule. "I heard you wanted to talk to me," he added, "to write a story about me." Again, that questioning tone crept into his voice. I could tell he was sizing me up, trying to decide if he could trust me. Based upon what I learned about Jack in the next couple of hours of conversation, I wouldn't begrudge him being suspicious of everyone. Born and raised in the Dallas/Fort Worth area, Jack entered the military at the age of seventeen. After four years of service, he joined the reserves until he was injured in 1989. While working for the Dallas Independent School District, Jack was robbed and shot brutally in the back, sustaining injuries that confined him to a wheelchair. But the fallout from the traumatic event would extend to every area of his life.

In an attempt to shut out the pain and depression that overcame him, Jack began using drugs. His daily routine became one focused on escape and avoidance of the waking nightmares that plagued him. It was during a routine visit to the V.A. hospital in 1992 that he discovered he was HIV positive. "I was just going in for rehab," he explains, glancing solemnly out the window, "I had never even thought about being positive."

Denial and depression took their hold after his diagnosis, and his emotional state eroded in 1994 with the death of his mother. His substance abuse was out of control, and it seemed as if there were no reasons to change his ways. Jack was without hope for the future. His 'rock bottom' came in 1997, after being incarcerated and kicked out of his family's house, and with failing health due to continued drug use. At that point, Jack had resolved that he would either turn his life around, or he would end it in suicide. Finally, he decided to move to Samaritan House, a residential facility for homeless and low-income individuals living with HIV/AIDS. There, he received counseling not only for his drug problem, but also for how to live with HIV. He found emotional support from the staff and residents, with which he found a spirit of community and a new sense of identity.

"It was a place where I could take time to reflect on my life," he says, describing Samaritan House, "I looked at where I had been and where I was going." Everyday issues such as sticking to a routine and keeping his room clean had to be re-learned, and slowly, he found himself emerging with a vision of his future. "I still have issues," he admits, "but I'm more clear-headed about them now."

In 1999, Jack met a quadriplegic that participated in the Veteran Wheelchair Games. His new friend encouraged him to get involved as well, and the allure of traveling overseas for the first time since his military career motivated him to begin training. In Puerto Rico later that year, Jack won two gold medals and one silver medal. After that, he was hooked. He returned home and developed a rigorous training regiment of weight lifting and swimming. Since then, he joined the Fort Worth Runners Club and continues to win medals at every Wheelchair Olympic Games event. In 2000, Jack participated in, and completed, the Cowtown Marathon, for which he also won a trophy. He has nine medals to his credit, as well as other recognitions and awards, but the greatest of his triumphs is not on the track: it is in the classroom.

Jack is working on a Bachelor's degree in Music at Tarrant County College, with an emphasis in piano performance. He has had several recitals, but his goal is to transfer to the University of Texas at Arlington, where he hopes to study composition. With inspiration from artists such as Quincy Jones and Luther Vandross, his goal is to create his own record label. In addition, he intends to acquire his teaching certificate, "as a backup," in case the label is not profitable. However, the business and accounting classes he is taking along with his music studies should ensure that he has the best possible chance to succeed.

I asked Jack about his future athletic aspirations, and he said that he plans to participate in the Olympics. What I did not understand at first was that he meant the World Olympic Games, and not just the Wheelchair Olympics. "I think I might try shot-put," he smiled, "but it will take a lot of training." I wondered if he had any words of wisdom or warning for those who might be dealing with some of the same challenges he faces. After reflecting for a moment, he lifted his head. "You'd better decide if you're ready to end up dead." He leaned back in his chair, bald head shining from around the edges of his leopard-print hat. "I escaped with my life and a whole lot more, but someone else might not be as lucky."

Every story like Jack's is made possible by the generosity of supporters like you. Please consider a tax-deductible gift to help Samaritan House offer a home and hope to others in need.

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