No matter who you are, what you look like or how much money you have, you are going to face obstacles. What makes you different is how you face those obstacles and deal with them.

The spirit, courage and attitude of Sean VanGerena is a shining example of the power of attitude and his example will help the rest of us through whatever life throws at us. 

In 2008, he survived a horrendous car accident that left him with a traumatic brain injury, a broken neck and he then suffered multiple strokes. 

He went from doctors telling him that he would probably never walk again to eventually making the U.S. World Paratriathlon team. 

Through everything he’s survived, he still believes something surprising — he thinks he’s one of the luckiest people alive. 

He explains how first, he learned to walk, then eventually learned to run again. He says then, you just go from there.

Despite his positive attitude, he says there were some very tough times and dark days. He describes how difficult it was to lose his independence. After the accident, this formerly fit, self-employed, single father had to move in with his parents and rely upon 24-hour nursing care. 

He explains how fought the medical system to get back on his feet and how he hopes to inspire and help others through his nonprofit, Lie Down or Stand Up. Find out what inspired the name and how he hopes to help others dealing with debilitating conditions. Click here to visit the website and learn more.