Feb 18, 2008 6:06 pm US/Central
Man Turns Personal Struggles Into Hope For Others
(WCCO)
A Minnesota man who's made the best of his own personal struggles in life is trying to help others deal with theirs, and he might just win a national award for it.
Matthew Sanford is now a finalist in one category of the "Volvo For Life" Awards. Every year the car company recognizes and rewards everyday heroes.
You might say Sanford is living proof that teachers can make a difference because they can inspire and help their students reach their full potential.
"It's because it makes people think. My story makes you think," said Sanford, who is drawing on his own experiences to transform those around him.
"Part is, in a way, is the work I'm doing now is a continuation of my healing," said Sanford.
When Sanford was 13 years old, he and his family were driving back to Minnesota from Thanksgiving when they hit ice. Their car slid off the road and into an embankment, and Sanford's sister and father died.
"I broke my back, my neck at C1. My back at T4, 5, 6. I broke both my wrists," recalled Sanford.
He went through rehabilitation, where a doctor even told him to forget about using his lower body. High school, college and grad school followed.
"I got strong enough, I got strong enough to get on with life, but something just didn't feel right," said Sanford, who had determination to feel more joyful and even feel his body.
"I went, oh, my gosh, this has to change. That's when I took up yoga," he said.
Sanford now teaches an adaptive yoga class for people living with disabilities. He's founded a non-profit, dedicated to the notion that minds and bodies work together. He's also written a book about his experiences and through it all Sanford has impacted thousands, like Christine Paul.
Paul was once a gymnast and diver and feels Sanford's yoga has brought relief from aches and pains.
"My back has been a whole lot better. I can balance on my left foot much better. I can walk better," said Paul.
"What better way to start to connect mind and body, than a 4,000 year old discipline that is expressly intended to integrate mind, body and spirit," said Sanford.
Sanford has no intention of slowing down. He said he'll continue to help his students transform trauma and loss into hope and potential, regardless of their personal struggles.
Sanford will find out on Tuesday if he won his category for the "Volvo For Life" Award. If he does, he'll get $75,000 for his non-profit organization.
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