Will's First 30 Years: Thanks For Playing a Role!

Hey everyone:

This Monday marks a day that feels strange to call an anniversary. On May 23, 1992, I was shot and paralyzed doing things that most people don’t believe when they get to know me. I’m not proud to say I was in a gang and selling drugs, a reality far too common on the streets of Chicago. Embarrassed about being in a chair and what led to it, a dark 2-year period of depression consumed me and everything I did or didn’t do. 

More than anything, 30 years later I’m full of gratitude. The alternatives were death, addiction, or prison – I have too many close friends who suffered through those options, while some still suffer today. How can I not be grateful?

On a Wednesday night in the summer of 1994, I tried wheelchair basketball for the first time. It was the first time in that 2+ years that I felt whole, free (I know I’m not supposed to say normal) again. Let me tell you, I sucked at basketball that night, but being able to compete and talk some trash with guys who looked like me made all the difference. 

I had some angels in my life that would get me on track: my Doctor, Michelle Gittler and a coach at University of Illinois, Brad Hedrick. They both convinced me that I could be more than I ever thought when I was walking. That would lead to A Paralympic Dream, a Big Ten Education, a Career and 3 amazing humans, my kids (Sydney, Chase and Calvin). 

Although there was and is plenty of pain, I’ve had more tears of joy than anything else. Being shot and finding the sport of wheelchair basketball, or it finding me, have had the most profound impact on my life’s path. I’ve had many twists and turns, but thankfully that path has introduced me to so many people who made me better and supported my passions along the way.

The National Wheelchair Basketball Association has been changing lives for nearly 75 years. The sport allowed me to stop running from my past and to start pushing towards my purpose: helping people realize that they have potential and helping them pursue it. Sound familiar? That’s also what Dr. Gittler and Dr. Hedrick did for me.

I’m grateful for second chances and silver linings. I hope you’ll help me help others with their silver linings and finding their potential by honoring my 30-year anniversary with a contribution to the NWBA.

Please note, the NWBA is able to work with your donor advised fund or accept stock donations. I'd be happy to discuss this directly with you to make your process of giving as smooth as possible.

Sincerely,

Will Waller
(330) 283-0094