Eric LeGrand, a Colonia High School graduate and former defensive
tackle for Rutgers University who suffered a spinal cord injury during a
football game in October 2010 that left him paralyzed, gave an
inspiring presentation at Buzz Aldrin Middle School on Thurs., Oct 3 in
support of the Week of Respect. Following a brief video presentation,
LeGrand took the stage to an overwhelming ovation and a sea of Rutgers
red. He told his story to the captive audience, from the moments leading
up to his injury to the weeks, months and years that have followed.
He detailed his stays in the hospital and rehab centers, sharing a
painful memory in which a young girl in the bed next to him did not
survive. But it was a turning point for him. “At that moment I said,
‘I’m alive. God gave me another chance. I still have fight in me. I’m
going to do great things because I’m blessed. It changed my
perspective.”
Eric LeGrand is surrounded by Buzz Aldrin students celebrating the week of respect.
LeGrand used that recollection to challenge students: “What are you
appreciative of? What do you take for granted?” Think about how blessed
and how fortunate you are. Think about what you can do for others.”
In keeping with the theme of respect, LeGrand expressed how he
received support from friends and family, and even strangers, from day
one, and stressed the importance of being kind to others. “Instead of
putting someone else down, try lifting them up,” he said. “It’s a lot
better feeling to help someone than it is to hurt someone.”
While doctors have told him he’ll never walk again, LeGrand remains
optimistic and committed to working toward his goal of returning to
MetLife Stadium where the injury happened, to “lay down on the field and
this time, get back up again.” Until then, LeGrand is on a mission to
inspire as many people possible. “You’re going to deal with adversity in
your lifetime. It’s how you handle it that defines you. You can run
away from it, or you can face it head on. Don’t let anyone tell you that
you can’t do something,” he said. “Success is the peace of mind you get
knowing that you did everything you could to be the best you can be.”