At 180 Medical, we’re passionate about helping the customers and communities we serve. One way we do that is through our dedicated Peer Support team and our Patient Advocates, including Steve. Part of their role is helping people adjust to life after a spinal cord injury by sharing guidance, support, and their real-life experience.
Steve loves talking to people that are new to catheterizing or learning how to manage daily life after a spinal cord injury. He’s here to answer questions, offer reassurance and encouragement, and remind people that progress happens one step at a time. He lives by this motto: “Don’t be afraid of failing. Don’t let a momentary failure stop you.”
We’d love for you to know more about Steve’s life, his amazing legacy in wheelchair rugby, and his important work in helping people of all ages who are new to living with spinal cord injuries (SCI).
Steve Proves That Normal Life is Possible with a Spinal Cord Injury
It was Steve’s senior year of high school in 1988. He was a passenger in a car with a friend, and they were racing another car. Suddenly, their vehicle lost control and flipped into a ditch. His neck was broken, but miraculously, he survived.
At the hospital, he heard from doctors that he would not walk again due to a spinal cord injury (complete C6). As a result of his SCI, he lives with limited feeling and function below his chest and limited finger dexterity. Although he was blessed with strong arms and shoulders, he knew it was going to be a huge task to relearn how to live from the perspective of a wheelchair. He had to learn how to push his own wheelchair and accomplish basic tasks that able-bodied people often take for granted, like brushing his teeth, dressing, and eating with utensils. Also, he had to learn how to manage his bladder and bowel routine post-injury.
Despite his spinal cord injury, Steve maintains that there’s no “pity party” about it.
It took time and rehabilitation therapy, but soon, life returned to a new normal. That meant living just like everybody else: dating, going to college, getting a job, playing sports like wheelchair rugby, and staying active.
A Career as a Patient Advocate
A typical day in Steve’s life includes scheduling visits, making initial contacts, following up with case managers, and, most importantly, connecting with patients who have recently experienced a spinal cord injury.
Steve loves sharing his story with newly injured patients. But more than anything, he loves seeing their faces light up with a smile. “I love seeing those big smiles that come from these patients, seeing how I live so independently. I think most don’t believe they can do it until they see someone else in their condition actually do it.”
Steve continues, “Recently, I met with a few people who just could not believe that I flew out to see them all on my own. It’s awesome to get to show how I can still live my life to the fullest, dress and take care of myself, have a career I love, and a beautiful family with a wife and four kids.” He says there’s a special feeling in helping others realize their lives aren’t over just because of their SCI.
For years, Steve has been positively changing lives. For example, just 5 years ago, he met someone who had suffered a traumatic spinal cord injury due to a gunshot wound. “He was down and distraught over his new injury and facing life in a wheelchair,” says Steve. “Then I told him my story of triumph over my SCI, which gave him the strength and courage to tackle this situation head-on. He changed his attitude, worked hard, and started living life again. Recently, he graduated from college with a degree in social work, which he chose because he wanted to give back too.”
Sharing Information About the Right Catheters for SCI Patients
Steve also helps patients by sharing more about the great service and supplies they can receive from 180 Medical. “They have a lot on their minds, so it’s comforting to them to hear that their catheter needs will be taken care of quickly and accurately.”
As someone who has used intermittent catheters for many years after a spinal cord injury, Steve regularly shares his experience to help others make informed choices. He has also contributed a series of helpful spinal cord injury-related blog posts for 180 Medical, including a guide on choosing the best catheters for people with spinal cord injuries.
“No single catheter brand or type is going to work for every person,” says Steve. “I have tried virtually every catheter on the market and found what works for me. Do not be afraid to try different products to discover what works best for you. What you’re given while in the hospital may not be the right product for you as an individual.”
Living Life to the Fullest with a Spinal Cord Injury
Steve stays busy and active with his hobbies and family outside of work.
One of his biggest and most enduring passions is wheelchair rugby. “I was blessed to play on the USA Wheelchair Rugby Team,” Steve says. “I’ve traveled the world and won gold and bronze medals at world championships.”
Today, Steve plays and coaches for the TIRR Texans, a wheelchair rugby team based out of Houston, TX. This team consistently ranks among the top programs in the country.
Steve’s Role as a Head Coach and President of the USWRA
Steve has also taken on leadership roles in the sport beyond coaching. He currently serves as President of the United States Wheelchair Rugby Association (USWRA), helping support and grow wheelchair rugby nationwide.
“I am healthier, stronger, and more confident because of sports like wheelchair rugby,” says Steve. “Decades later, I still play rugby and compete strongly against newer and younger players. I am a fiercely competitive person on the court. Although I’m older now, I’m still considered one of the top players in the country in my class. Plus, I’ve met and mentored many people due to playing wheelchair rugby.”
In October 2025, Steve served as Head Coach for the USA Rampage at an international wheelchair rugby tournament in Nottwil, Switzerland. The team competed against some of the best low-point wheelchair rugby teams from all around the world. Steve’s USA Rampage team included 10 of the best low point wheelchair rugby players in the United States, including 180 Medical Peer Support Specialist, Daniel.
Steve’s commitment to the sport and to helping others goes beyond the court. In 2023, he traveled to Nepal to help introduce and support wheelchair rugby programs. “I want to assist Nepal and the Spinal Cord Rehabilitation Center in establishing its first wheelchair rugby team,” he says.
Overcoming Challenges with an SCI
Steve is honored to be able to help others who are new to living with spinal cord injuries. He understands firsthand the many obstacles that are thrown in their path, and he works to help them change their mindsets about their new injury.
He knows firsthand what it’s like to face hard challenges after SCI. But as a father, husband, athlete, and frequent traveler, Steve proves that life is not over just because of a spinal cord injury.
At 180 Medical, we work hard to provide the best service with high-quality catheters and ostomy products. With every interaction, we want to help positively affect lives.
Contact us today if you’re seeking a reliable company to provide your supplies. We’ll be glad to serve you and help turn your life around.
