Although you may believe that your level of happiness or sadness is dependent on external factors beyond your control, the reality is that, whether consciously or unconsciously, you have the power to choose your emotional state at any given moment, regardless of the situation you find yourself in. This perspective was forever altered for me on January 21, 2005, following a severe car accident caused by adverse weather conditions. The event resulted in a significant shift in my outlook on life. As a result of the slippery road conditions, my car spun out of control and collided with an oncoming vehicle. Despite being buckled in, I was thrown violently across the car, with my head becoming wedged between two pieces of metal. I found myself trapped between the passenger door and the door frame, completely paralyzed from the neck down. Rescue workers needed to use the jaws of life to free me from the car. As I drifted in and out of consciousness, I realized that I may not survive this ordeal. It was a terrifying moment, and I was rushed to the Calais Regional Hospital via ambulance. The excruciating pain made it impossible for me to move any part of my body. The hospital staff could do little for me except prepare me for the helicopter life-flight ride to the Eastern Maine Medical Center. My neck was shattered in three places (C 3-4-5), with damage to my spinal cord, a depressed skull fracture, and swelling of the brain and spinal cord. The medical professionals informed me that it was unlikely I would make a full recovery, and that I would never regain control of my body below the neck. The pain medication did little to relieve my agony, which extended from my head down to my toes. They performed surgery on my neck, fusing the broken bones together with a piece of titanium steel and a section of my hip bone. However, during my recovery, I discovered a previously unknown source of inner strength, which enabled me to persevere through this traumatic experience. ~Paul Storey

"Paul was involved in a life-threatening auto accident several years ago and the resulting complication was paralysis in his lower extremities. I couldn't believe his quiet demeanor when I visited him in the intensive care unit at EMMC. He was very accepting of his fate, talked about the wonderful people he was meeting, and ideas he had "bounced off" the doctors to improve their technology. I felt humbled to be in the presence of someone who had absolutely no self-pity for even a second. He has since recovered from those injuries but his determination has never wavered. He is still following the same goals he had in high school and obviously has the drive and motivation to overcome any obstacle that life throws at him." ~Richard Chaffey

"In January of 2005, Paul experienced devastating injuries from a car accident. The accident has both changed and strengthened him. Paul is an optimistic person who sees obstacles as an opportunity to succeed by working through the difficulties. His physical recovery has been miraculous due in part to his determination. I have observed Paul return to activities that many did not believe possible. Paul is a goal driven individual that studies a situation thoroughly before acting. When action is taken it is with positive result. His tenacity is impressive." ~Linwood Trott