Jesse Lieberman

Jesse Lieberman had it all. As a body builder attending Wake Forest Medical School in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, Jesse was running toward a very bright future. One day, six months before the bodybuilding state championship, Jesse’s neighbor accidentally locked herself out of her apartment. Jesse climbed over a balcony to help her. Tragically, the balcony’s wooden railing broke and Jesse fell three stories, landing on his head and breaking his spinal cord. He became a quadriplegic (C5 Tetraplegic) who could slightly move his arms, biceps and shoulders, but not his legs. If it had not been for Jesse’s physical condition prior to the accident, Jesse most likely would have been killed in the fall. But, amazingly he never became dependent on a respirator.

Most people in this situation would slow down to rethink their life. They might succumb to depression or simply live a non-achieving, unsatisfying life, but Jesse had dreams and the iron will to achieve them. Never falling behind in his studies, Jesse remained in Wake Forest Medical School. Upon graduating, Jesse received multiple standing ovations despite the dean’s repeated requests to refrain from applauding until all names had been called. “It was an incredible feeling!” (Jesse Lieberman). Shortly afterward, he married his girlfriend, Michelle, who had supported him throughout this period. They were married on the date that was set before Jesse’s accident, another example of Jesse’s iron will to achieve his goals on time. In order to train in Charlotte (to specialize in spinal cord injuries) as desired, Jesse first had to complete a one-year internship at East Carolina University. Jesse is currently in the third year of his residency living in Charlotte. Despite the overwhelming challenges that Jesse faces each day, he has dedicated his life to helping people through his medical work, inspirational speeches and exemplary lifestyle.

Jesse went from a hometown hero who touched all who knew him to a national inspiration when he was interviewed by Al Roker on the “Today Show” in its “Against All Odds” segment. Also, Jesse founded and coordinates a charity supporting Christopher Reeve’s Paralysis Foundation and the Miami Project. He is an exceptional example of doing what it takes to achieve one’s goals. Jesse is a hero in the truest sense. If a body builder turned quadriplegic can complete medical school on time and become a doctor, inspiring millions in the process, what can each of us achieve?