Chris Norton was a collegiate football player when he mistimed a tackle and collided with the opponent’s legs and immediately lost all feeling and movement from the neck down. He was given the diagnosis that he would never be able to move again.
After incredible amounts of perseverance and dedication, alongside the support of his family and friends, Chris was able to walk across the graduation stage and down the aisle at his wedding with his wife Emily by his side. Chris’ story is one of perseverance, facing his challenges head on, and using his story and his experiences to make a positive impact on others.
Chris now has the Chris Norton Foundation which is a nonprofit organization that helps to fund the equipment, accommodations, and opportunities for others with spinal cord and neuromuscular disabilities to help them live their best lives. He also puts on the Chris Norton Foundation Wheelchair Camp where they provide a cost-free camp for youth and families with physical challenges to help them overcome their obstacles and discover all of their abilities.
Chris wrote his book, The Seven Longest Yards, with Mark Tabb who was on the podcast on Episode 55.
On top of all of that, Chris and his wife, Emily, are foster and adoptive parents.
It was such a joy to talk with Chris and hear all that he is doing in the world to change the lives of so many.
This episode is hosted by Emma Benner.
What we talked about:
4:15- Introduction to Chris Norton
12:00- The support that he received after his injury
16:05- Where he is at now in his recovery
18:15- Being a foster and adoptive parent
28:05-Some pivotal moments in his journey to walking again
30:55- What the Chris Norton Foundation and the Chris Norton Foundation Wheelchair Camp are
37:15- A transformational piece of advice that he received from a doctor while in the hospital
42:20- The film, 7 Yards, that he has coming out soon
47:00- End of podcast questions
Show notes:
Get 20% off of your order at getfinleys.com by using the code “ILLUMINATE20”
Fill out the listener survey here
Follow The Illuminate Podcast:
Illuminate Podcast on Instagram
Illuminate Podcast on Facebook
Follow Sandyboy Productions:
Sandyboy Productions on Twitter
Sandyboy Productions on Instagram
*As a Finley’s ambassador we do earn from qualifying purchase.
Podcast (the-illuminate-podcast): Play in new window | Download
