User:Luis R Torres Jr.

In May 2002, at the age of 19, Luis R. Torres Jr. was involved in a motor vehicle accident that left him paralyzed from the breastbone down resulting from a level T-5 spinal cord injury. He realized early on that the only way that he would overcome his adversity is not relying on a cure but to focus on his abilities; not his disability.

“The bigger picture isn’t waiting for a cure or even walking again. A lot of us in wheelchairs sit around feeling sorry for ourselves and don’t do anything. We wait hoping for a cure – a cure that may or may not come in our lifetime. What is important is learning how to live meaningful, productive lives until a cure is found.” Luis Torres, Times Herald-Record  Friday August 19,2005

With a renewed and grateful outlook on life, Luis noticed the powerful effect he had on patients new to spinal cord injury. He realized he was capable of uplifting and inspiring the lives of individuals new to SCI (Spinal Cord Injury). A transformed and enlightened spiritual outlook on life along with a desire to spread hope gave Luis the dream of one day being able to spread his message on a larger scale.

The enthusiastic response he received from the families and individual lives they affected encouraged them to stay positive and hopeful, giving Luis the vision of establishing a charity to inspire and motivate individuals living with various disabilities and form “Vertical Horizon NY.”

Vertical Horizon NY will work in cooperation with Thinkfirst.org, Helen Hayes Hospital and Achillies Track Club to make possible for people with all disabilities to participate in mainstream athletics, to promote personal achievement, enhanced self esteem, and demonstrate how differently-abled persons should not be feared, distrusted, pitied, overprotected, and patronized; these feelings being a direct result of the way a disability is typically defined.

With borrowed racing equipment, Luis began competing as a WHEELCHAIR ATHLETE in the 2006 New York City Marathon as a member of the Achillies Track Club. Luis has since had request to participate in marathons and countless biathlons, duathlons, triathalons, 5K and 10K races.