Michael started his public speaking career in1986, with his first charity bicycle trip to visit patients at rehab hospitals along the east coast of the U.S., delivering an inspirational message of hard work, hope, and healing. The success of this trip created the Ride to Recovery Organization. From 1986 to 1991, Michael, with the help of loyal friends, logged over 10,000 miles on his bicycle, visiting rehab hospitals across America sharing with patients and staff what made his rehabilitative stay a success. Though Michael has retired his bicycle, he has not stopped sharing his inspiring story of recovery with patients and staff at rehabilitation hospitals across the country. If you’re a healthcare provider interested in having Michael speak at an upcoming function, please click  

 

Early in his career as a public school physical education teacher, Michael experienced firsthand the cruelty of kids mimicking his disability as a "walking" quadriplegic. Taking these experiences, alongside his childhood memories of being a bully himself, he has put together a powerful presentation for students about the importance of empathy. It teaches students how to recognize the many opportunities during school to be empathetic–to transform their personality from self-centeredness to selflessness. His presentation is a perfect blend of self-reflection, humor, and seriousness. For the past three decades, Michael’s presentation has promoted an empathetic school environment that significantly reduces school (cyber) bullying and saves lives. EVERY student in America should hear this presentation. If you would like to have Michael speak at your school, please contact us                     and leave an email request. 

 

Since publishing his book in June 2022, university professors in the fields of physical therapy, occupational therapy, nursing, and pre-med have reached out to Michael to have him guest lecture on the paramount importance of the patient/therapist/nurse/doctor relationship. If you would like to read students’ reflections on his presentation, or have Michael speak at your institution, please click