You also want an ePaper? Increase the reach of your titles
YUMPU automatically turns print PDFs into web optimized ePapers that Google loves.
Metrowest resident Jimmy<br />
Petroski, 32, is one of the most<br />
outgoing and active people you will<br />
ever meet. He is a thrill-seeking adventurer<br />
who enjoys skateboarding,<br />
playing basketball, water-skiing,<br />
handcycling, archery, weightlifting<br />
and Zumba. Not something you’d<br />
expect from someone confined to a<br />
wheelchair his entire life.<br />
Born with spina bifida, a birth defect<br />
in which the spine and spinal<br />
cord do not form properly, Jimmy<br />
has never seen his condition as a<br />
disability.<br />
“There is nothing that I cannot do<br />
in some capacity.”<br />
He has done more physical activities<br />
than many able-bodied<br />
people. He has gone skateboarding<br />
via a special chair and played<br />
in a wheelchair basketball game<br />
at the Amway Center during halftime<br />
at an Orlando Magic game. In<br />
2012, he became a certified Zumba<br />
instructor.<br />
This past June, Jimmy went water-skiing<br />
through Ann’s Angels<br />
Adaptive Waterski Foundation, a<br />
nonprofit organization based in<br />
Winter Haven.<br />
“That was an amazing experience!”<br />
he said. “I sat in a chair<br />
bolted to a boogie board and held<br />
MetroWest resident Jimmy Petroski,<br />
who was born with spina bifida, plays<br />
wheelchair basketball at the Amway Center.<br />
SOUTHWEST<br />
Against All Odds<br />
Making Life Happen in Spite of Spina Bifida<br />
Jimmy Petroski goes water-skiing through Ann’s Angels Adaptive Waterski Foundation,<br />
a nonprofit organization based in Winter Haven.<br />
onto a handle on a rope, like any<br />
regular water-skier would. I was going<br />
at a high rate of speed but always<br />
had two guides hanging on<br />
to separate ropes connected to my<br />
board.”<br />
Jimmy is very active in the community.<br />
He spends much of his<br />
time working out and volunteering<br />
at the Dr. P. Phillips YMCA and<br />
has shared his inspiring story with<br />
students at Tavares Middle School.<br />
Jimmy is rarely seen without a smile<br />
and is happy to answer questions<br />
about spina bifida.<br />
“I am often approached by children<br />
with questions about what it’s<br />
like being in a wheelchair,” he said.<br />
“I completely understand their curiosity.<br />
I much prefer people asking<br />
me questions rather than making<br />
assumptions.”<br />
Jimmy is also a volunteer with the<br />
Spina Bifida Association of Central<br />
Florida and is currently fundraising<br />
for the organization. The funds<br />
will go toward programs and services<br />
for those living with spina<br />
bifida.<br />
www.SouthwestOrlandoBulletin.com x October 4 — 17, 2018 x 5<br />
“Jimmy is a very kind and<br />
SPOTLIGHT<br />
dependable volunteer,” said<br />
Shannon Bevans, program coordinator.<br />
“He is always willing<br />
to help with whatever tasks are<br />
needed. Jimmy is always one of<br />
by Karen Nimetz our top fundraisers. For the last two<br />
years that I have been involved<br />
with SBACFL, he has always gathered<br />
donations from his friends<br />
and family to support our cause.<br />
SBACFL is very thankful for his<br />
continued volunteer service to this<br />
community.”<br />
Jimmy is excited to be volunteering<br />
as well as participating in<br />
the upcoming SBACFL Orlando<br />
Walk-N-Roll, taking place Nov.<br />
3 at 8:30 a.m. at Dr. P. Phillips<br />
Community Park. The family-friendly<br />
event aims to “raise<br />
awareness about spina bifida and<br />
celebrate the accomplishments of<br />
the more than 177,000 Americans<br />
living with it.”<br />
29<br />
For more information about the SBACFL Orlando<br />
Walk-N-Roll or to make a donation, visit<br />
sbacfl-wnr-orlando.com. ª<br />
, 2016<br />
AnnVarkeyRealtor@gmail.com
Change language