Someone who has overcome tremendous odds

[gettinrevvin2007]

I'm working on something for personal use, and I need some help. Who would you use as a 'role model' and why?

Have you ever seen the movie "Door to Door"? It is about the life of Bill Porter. He has cerebral palsy, and made a living, going door-to-door, selling, Watkins products, and eventually becomes the co's top salesman. William H. Macy plays him in the movie. It's a great movie. I highly recommend it, if you haven't seen it. Here's a 'snippet'.

Door To Door,

Anyhow, who can you think of that has accomplished a lot, despite their circumstances? Help me out here. I can't think of names! Prefer *currently living*, as opposed to deceased.

[puakinikini]

Wow - I am sure there are many of these stories to choose from, but the two I love are: Oprah Winfrey and Dolly Parton. Both had extremely difficult poor childhoods and both are extremely positive people as adults.

[gettinrevvin2007]

Thank-you. I thought of Oprah, but didn't think of Dolly Parton. Good one!
That jogged my memory, and I thought of Joyce Meyer.
Any others?

[cheynesnana]

How about Antwone Fisher or Lance Armstrong?

[gettinrevvin2007]

Lance Armstrong is a good one! I don't think I'm familiar w/ Antwone Fisher.

[billig]

Well, I don't remember the name, but I'm thinking of teachers....
The guy (Smith?) who turned around a classroom with his rules that he made up..the rules of life or something?
And that violin teacher who took inner-city students and made them classical musicians and set up their recitals at Carnegie Hall?

[XUfan]

Here are a couple of basketball players, with inspiring stories.


Juan Dixon
Juan Dixon was raised in the home of two drug-addicted parents - both passed away from AIDS by the age of 40. But instead of giving in, Juan used basketball as a motivation to never end up like them. His inspiring attitude led the Maryland Terapins basketball team to a National Championship in 2002. Now a member of the Portland Trailblazers, Juan uses his life as inspiration for others to combat drug use and build strength through family.

Alonzo Mourning
Alonzo Mourning faced the most challenging opponent of his life when he was diagnosed with a kidney disease. The storied basketball player was forced to put his career on hold to fight for his life when he announced his retirement in November 2003 and underwent kidney transplant surgery the following month. Less than a year after undergoing a successful transplant, Mourning announced that he would attempt a comeback, eventually winning the 2006 NBA Championship with the Miami Heat.

[Kristen.C]

Stephen Hawking. He has never let his disability overcome his brilliant mind.

[gettinrevvin2007]

Interesting stories! I've never heard of these guys. I'll have to keep Google busy this evening. What's the scoop on Stephen Hawking?

[simplysara]

Have you seen the documentary Murder Ball? It's about the US paraolympic Rugby team. These guys are amazing, despite being paralyzed they participate in an olympic sport.