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What would you do if you suffered a terrible accident and were diagnosed with Quadriplegia and a Cervical Spine Fracture?
And then spent 10 months in traction, only to be paralyzed from your shoulders to your toes, with some movement in one hand.
What would you do with the rest of your life?
Not many people have the athleticism and talent to be a professional athlete. Many years ago, he was drafted by the Pittsburgh Pirates. He loved playing baseball and other sports, but he suffered an accident in college, while playing baseball. While playing catcher at home plate, a runner slid into Ralph. The collision broke Ralph's neck—he was instantly paralyzed.
For almost a year after the accident, he was in traction. During that time, he was in the pediatric unit at New York University Hospital, and was not allowed to take morphine and other powerful pain killers, so he suffered tremendously. He gained faith during that time. While he suffered with pain, his friend Jonathan was dying with cancer. Ralph learned that life could be worse for him.
After he was released from the hospital, Ralph had to relearn how to do everything, and then he went back to school. HE had to accept his paralysis, and couldn't do everything he use to do.
With the urging and support of his family, especially his mother, Ralph enrolled at Ramapo State College. He later graduated from Ramapo with a degree in Social Work. He also obtained a teaching certificate in psychology.
Ralph's next stop: North Bergen High School in New Jersey
For 26 years he has been working at North Bergen High School as a school social worker for the special services department and as a school basketball coach for over thirty years. He has been working with teenage athletes, and with the special education department.
A young teenager, Ralph Marino had dreams. He wanted to be a big time baseball player or a PGA golf pro. He was drafted by the Pirates.
As his life changed, so did his dreams. He wanted to help people. He accomplished his dreams.
For nearly two years, Ralph has been under the tutelage of public speakers, learning the trade. He has been speaking to school and business organizations since 2006. He began Above the Rim with Ralph Marino to inspire and motivate others.
I am willing to do my first speaking engagement at your school for half price, or due to speaking engagements for one price. Price of engagement is decided at time of booking the date. I have a lot to offer. Over 28 years of experince in a high school enviorment, and 30 years of coaching basketball with teenagers ranging from 13 to 18. I have learned from some of the greatest speakers such as Rich Ruffalo author of "Positively Enhancing Performance." He is a gold medal winner in the javlin for the special olympics. Also Doctor Gilbert Professor at Montcliar University. One of the top 5 speakers of the conuntry, Making you think out of the box. A way to learn easier with those who do not learn straight forward.
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