Dear Readers,

As a young man, I was fortunate to learn a valuable lesson—it’s not what happens to you that matters but what you do with it that counts. After my spinal cord injury at the age of fifteen, I was devastated that I had lost the use of my legs. Thanks to the support of people around me, I found the motivation I needed to redefine my goals. In doing so, I realized that the only thing stopping me from achieving my dreams was my own attitude.

Understanding this gave me the confidence to get back into sports, to pursue my dreams, and to ultimately push my wheelchair around the world on my Man in Motion World
Tour. I wanted to make a difference in the world, and I knew that if I believed in myself and had the courage to try, anything was possible.

Now it’s your turn. You are the leaders of tomorrow—the next generation of Difference Makers. I want to encourage each of you to be powerful champions of change in your own lives. Get involved; contribute; make a difference. I hope my story will inspire your dreams. I truly believe that if enough of us choose to change even one small thing, together we have the power to change anything.

Be positive, and when you meet an obstacle... roll on!

RICK HANSEN