ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Michael J. Bowen is an inspiring figure whose life took an unexpected turn during his senior year at UNC-Wilmington in 1985 when a devastating car accident left him paralyzed from the neck down, ending his promising tennis career. Through sheer determination and months of rehabilitation, he learned to walk again, showcasing his resilience. From 1986 to 1991, Michael embarked on three bicycle trips across America, visiting rehabilitation hospitals to encourage patients to never give up, a journey that is beautifully chronicled in his book, "The Viewfinder: Michael’s Story." Now a motivational speaker and guest lecturer at East Carolina University in the Allied Health Science Department, he  enjoys sharing his life lessons with career professionals, students and athletes, helping them understand the profound impact of faith, perseverance and purpose. He's a self-proclaimed beach bum and an avid drummer who lives in Wilmington, North Carolina, with the love of his life—his wife Laura—and their dog, Piper. The Viewfinder: Michael’s Story is his first book.