Episode 77: Chris Norton; Defeating the Odds

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 Chris Norton Website Follow The Illuminate Podcast: Illuminate Podcast on Instagram Illuminate Podcast on Twitter 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.