ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Michael J. Bowen is a powerful testament to human resilience, an inspiring force who turned unimaginable adversity into a lifelong mission of hope and purpose. In 1985, during his senior year at UNC-Wilmington, a devastating car accident shattered his world—leaving him paralyzed from the neck down and ending his promising tennis career in an instant. Yet Michael's story didn't end there. Through months of grueling rehabilitation and unbreakable determination, he defied the odds and learned to walk again—a triumph of spirit over circumstance. In 1986, fueled by gratitude and a desire to give back, Michael founded the Ride to Recovery Organization. Alongside dedicated friends, he embarked on three epic bicycle trips across America, visiting rehabilitation hospitals to share his story of perseverance with patients, therapists, nurses, and doctors—proving that life can be reclaimed and purpose found even after profound loss. These journeys captured the hearts of many and are beautifully documented in his book, The Viewfinder: Michael’s Story—a chronicle of courage, hope, and the transformative power of perspective. Today, Michael is a sought-after motivational speaker and guest lecturer at East Carolina University in the Allied Health Science Department. He speaks to career professionals, civic groups, and high school and college athletes nationwide, helping them discover the profound difference between merely succeeding and living a life of true significance. Michael J. Bowen reminds us all: Adversity doesn’t define you—your response to it does. With determination, humility, and a willingness to serve others, any challenge can become the foundation for an extraordinary life of meaning and impact. Beyond his powerful message, Michael embraces life fully—he’s a self-proclaimed beach bum, an avid drummer, and a devoted husband to the love of his life, Laura, with their beloved dog Piper by their side in beautiful Wilmington, North Carolina.