Joe Rhea

“Recently, we were lucky enough to have Mr. Joe Rhea return to Molloy College for a presentation to our Department of Athletics, Student-Athletes and Student Government. The subject couldn't have been more appropriate or delivered in a more meaningful, powerful way. Joe's presentation is titled "Bars, Cars, and Catastrophes," and speaks to the destructive things that are possible when people make bad decisions with regards to drinking and driving, and overall reckless, irresponsible behavior. But Joe's story is also one of perseverance and dedication as he overcame his own catastrophic spinal cord injury while playing high school football. One thing that left an impression on me is how Joe detailed the moment he fractured his spine on that field, doing something he had done hundreds of times, and how your life can change forever in an instant. For some the damage could have been permanent but he worked hard, harder than I'm sure anyone could imagine, and he was lucky. As I said it could not have been more powerful. I appreciate a speaker who is honest and who cares about those listening, and Joe undoubtedly does. I also know a speaker has left an impression when the students are still talking about it days later, and that has been the case both times Joe visited our campus. I recommend him without any hesitation to anyone looking for a similar outcome. Truly yours, James Zegers, MA, ATC -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ”