OTHERS WOULD QUIT. HE KEPT GOING. Bob Lujano captured the nation’s attention in 1979 because of his mind blowing response to tragedy. For seventeen years, the headlines sounded the same no matter the year or the paper: “…achieves goals despite disability…middle name is courage…gutsy kid beats odds…” Now for the first time, Bob chronicles his unbelievable journey from choosing life as a quad amputee, to winning a bronze medal at the Paralympics, co-starring in Murderball, and living a life full of gratitude and hope. By age nine, Bob had already seen the ugly side of life. His mom abandoned them, his dad ruled with a belt, and his grandfather controlled with a fist. As if that wasn’t enough, he then contracted a nearly fatal form of meningitis that called for the removal of all four limbs and visits to the burn unit. While in a coma, a mysterious visitor gave him the choice to live—without the life he had planned—or die. "Bob Lujano is a remarkable man. He lived through intense abuse, neglect and prejudice long before he contracted the infection that would take his arms and legs. Most people couldn't suffer through half his struggles without succumbing to despair. But Bob's faith, hope, and love are the secret to a victorious and beautiful life. His book brought me to tears. I'm privileged to call him a friend." -David Anders, Ph.D. Host of EWTN Open Line "Move over self-pity, there's a new voice in town. For everyone who views people with disabilities as incapacitated or impaired, this book will take your preconceived ideas, put them in a blender with champagne, and raise a glass to all life has to offer." -Lori Nichols, author-illustrator of the award-winning picture book Maple. "Bob Lujano is an amazing guy. His story is equal parts heartwarming, horrifying, amazing and inspiring. Everyone should read it." -Lou Anders, Hugo award winner "Bob teaches us all a critical life lesson, that our true self and the source of human goodness lies in our mind, character, and spirit. His story also raises the importance of family in those good events, and the traumatic events, that shape our lives. Bob's refusal to let his physical state define him as a person is something we can and should all learn from." -Jeff Underwood, President, Lakeshore Foundation "Eckhart Tolle, the spiritual philosopher, wrote that there are two parts of life-your life and your life situation. Everyone's life situation is filled with the constant toils and struggles that we all encounter; your life is underneath your life situation and represents the spiritual-metaphysical interface that comes with being part of a collective group that includes all of humanity. Most people will read this book and see Bob's life situation, filled with the day-today challenges of performing everyday tasks. How does one with no arms or legs wake up, get dressed, and go to work? The word 'adaptation' was created for people like Bob who figure out ways to stay in the fold of humanity and the lexicon does not include, "can't do that." But Bob's testimonial about his life journey, or life situation, is a tiny element of the more important aspect of this book, his life. Bob's professional and spiritual journey has taken him to places that most will never se. His amazing insight into the world of darkness and light, and its vey contrast, will deeply move you. What most people will take away from the book is learning about Bob's life situation. But what you really need to take away from the book is the life underneath Bob's life situation, that we are all one body, one mind and one spirit and that Bob's contribution to the universe is an extremely valuable part of this richness." -Dr. James Rimmer "Perseverance, discipline and determination have shaped the life of Bob Lujano. To learn about his journey and to be in his presence is to more fully understand the true meaning of inspiration, hope, faith, and joy and above all, the love of life." -Jennifer Chandler Stevenson, 1976 Olympic Gold Medalist, Diving "Bob's story and indomitable spirit are absolutely what make him one of the most uniquely inspirational people I've ever met. I will never stop being grateful for his example and all he and Tara have taught me through this incredible story." -Mick Silva, Editor, "For a higher purpose" BOB LUJANO is a bronze-medal Paralympian in quad rugby, a Sport Laureus Ambassador, and the current President of the United States Quad Rugby Association (USQRA). He continues his work at the National Center for Health, Physical Ability and Disability (NCHPAD) through the Lakeshore Foundation and is an international speaker for health, fitness, and independence. He resides in Birmingham, Alabama. TARA SCHIRO authored numerous profile articles for Elite Magazine and blogs at TaraSchiro.com. She resides in Los Angeles, California with her husband and kids.