Perseverance Award
In 1997, Mario Reed was a Millington Central High School football player making what he though was a routine tackle on a kickoff return, but for Mario that play changed his life. Reed was told he would never have a movement from his neck down again.
He once dreamed of becoming a professional football player or a Navy Seal, but he says now he’s found a new passion in life: mentoring and inspiring young people. “Life might throw you a lot of obstacles along the way, but you have to keep persevering through things and you have to keep pushing,” Reed said.
Now, Mario is once again making big plays, but this time, those big plays are on a different field. Conditions that most people consider tragic, have led him to a deeper understanding of himself and a stronger sense of independence.
Mario has written a book about his journey, “Brothers: The Mario Reed Story,” and created a documentary, “The View Within.” Reed is also starting the Mario Reed Foundation to help advocate for people with disabilities. His foundation will focus on home healthcare and research to aid quadriplegics and paraplegics.
Ultimately, Mario’s goal is to start his own Boys and Girls Clubs Chapter or youth center, while continuing to push the limits to reach his #1 goal in life: to take a step on his own.