Joni Eareckson Tada

She was born October 15 in Baltimore, Maryland. She likes tennis, swimming, excursions, and camping. July 17, 1967, Joni broke her neck in a diving accident in the murky water of Chesapeake Bay, which left her a quadriplegic. When she was hospitalized, she wanted to die because she can't move her body but that changed when she got into art. She learned how to paint by holding a brush in her mouth. She also learned how to move her arms a little using her back muscles, with special equipment in the car, allowed her to learn how to drive.

After 2 years of full rehabilitation, Joni left the hospital and returned to live back at her home. Joni and her sister found it very frustrating the way that Joni was struggling to use her electronic wheelchair. Steve is Joni's father, a workmen. He used to take Joni on outings around her father's land. Steve played a very important role in her life at that time because he read her the Bible and explained its meaning, the stories of Jesus and the way of God. Joni said many inspirational things to people that include: 'Jesus died on the cross to heal us' and 'He died even when I couldn't care less'. Joni felt that after she found God it was such an important aspect to her life.

1970, she moved to California where she met Ken Tada, son of Japanese parents, who she married om July 3, 1982. She met him in a church service. She was bored and decided to pray for a random man in front of her, who turned out to be a man her friend introduced her to at the end of the service. They continue to live in California. On September 19, 2007, Joni made a rare public appearance while speaking at Biola University in Los Angeles, as part of Biola's centennial celebration.

Joni Eareckson Tada is my hero because when she broke her neck, she was afraid and sad but, she thought to do something. She draws picture with her mouth, and she helps other people. I want to know how she thinks and helps the other people because she prayed to live on. I can learn much about what she has done in her life. I am ashamed because i can move my body but I don't do anything like Joni. My life would change like Joni. If in my life something happens like Joni I would be like Joni.