Eric LeGrand inspires students at Bonnie Brae

BERNARDS TWP. - From his customized wheelchair, former Rutgers University football player Eric LeGrand shared his compelling story of working to overcome life's obstacles with students at Bonnie Brae School in Liberty Corner on Friday, Sept. 26.

LeGrand, who suffered a paralyzing spinal cord injury during a 2010 football game, motored into the Bonnie Brae gym and was warmly greeted by a group of Bonnie Brae students wearing T-shirts they had air-brushed with his motto of Believe.

A banner hanging front and center, also made by students, displayed the message that is recorded on LeGrands voicemail: Remember, never take anything for granted. Every day is a gift. Its a prize of its own, so go out there and receive it. Enjoy it and live it to the best of your ability. Believe.

One could hear a pin drop in the schools gym as LeGrand related his personal journey of courage and inspiration with the 200 boys and staff members of Bonnie Brae.

They said I would never breathe without a ventilator, and I did,'' he said. "They said I would never be able to eat a normal meal, and I did. They said I would never walk again, but I believe I will.

LeGrands milestones have not come easy. With his dedicated mother, Karen, by his side, he has committed to years of often grueling and difficult physical therapy. This coupled with his incredible determination and commitment to keeping himself healthy is what he believes will allow him to walk again someday from the spot he was injured on the Rutgers football field.

LeGrand is committed to raising awareness of spinal cord injuries, which he felt has taken a backseat in the media since the death of Christopher Reeve. He stated that most of todays young people dont know who Reeve is, and that while he is fortunate to have a lot of support, many people in his condition do not.

In September 2013, he officially launched "Team LeGrand,'' a partnership with the Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation. Team LeGrands mission supports and aligns with the Reeve Foundation mission of helping individuals living with spinal cord injury and their families by supporting quality of life initiatives and emerging therapies.

LeGrands visit to Bonnie Brae was no accident. Linda Saverino, a medical secretary at Bonnie Brae, saw LeGrand speak at her sons school last year and was incredibly moved. She knew his story would resonate and inspire the boys and young men that she worked with every day at Bonnie Brae.

The boys we serve are overcomers and Eric is an overcomer,'' she said. "I knew that meeting him and hearing his story could make a difference for our boys.

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Eric LeGrand inspires students at Bonnie Brae