PBF Speaker
Program: Road/Workplace/Youth
David, at 21, was well on his way to fulfilling his dream of becoming an airline pilot when fate intervened one night. Celebrating at Camden airport with a colleague who had just landed a coveted jet-flying job, the evening took a drastic turn. Fueled by the thrill of the moment and some liquid courage, David and a friend decided to take a joyride down the deserted runway. It was an impulsive decision that altered David’s life forever.
Without his seatbelt on, the car hit gravel and rolled a number of times. David was ejected from the vehicle, suffering a severe L1-L2 spinal cord injury. The road to recovery was long and arduous—three months in the hospital followed by another 18 months in rehabilitation, learning to walk again with the aid of crutches.
Despite the immense challenges, David’s spirit remained undaunted. Today, he channels his energy into wheelchair tennis and wheelchair AFL during his free time. Reflecting on his journey, he shares a poignant perspective: “Time flies, but remember, YOU are the pilot.”