BIO
As a boy growing up in Chicago, James Lilly, dreamed of becoming a professional athlete. Despite his parents’ best effort to keep him busy, lack of their supervision led James to drift. His dreams began to fade as he started to associate with a gang. They died altogether when he was shot and paralyzed at age fifteen.
Today James lives in a suburb of Chicago with his wife and three young sons. The barriers and obstacles he faces each and every day are a constant reminder of the poor choices he made which led to his disability. Acknowledging the fact that his experience, strength and hope could provide inspiration for others, James Lilly now shares his story through his public speaking engagements. He reveals his struggles and frustration of being disabled as he attempts to be the father he always wished his own father to be.
He also reveals the one thing that helped him change his life “wheelchair racing”. After completing in countless marathons, there’s one marathon he covets the most: winning the world’s longest wheelchair marathon covering 367 miles of dramatic terrain from Fairbanks to Anchorage, Alaska. His determination to win this race drives him to return year after year to compete in grueling conditions, undaunted, until the victory is his own.
PRESENTATIONS
James’ presentations can be customized to fit the needs of your organization and objectives as well as the age group of the audience. He offers his presentations in classrooms, gymnasiums, and auditorium settings for audiences ranging from 300 to 3,000. The following is a description of his program:
James shares his personal story about the effects of alcohol, drugs, and gang violence: How his life was affected as a result of his own actions; how his family members were affected and how his life today is a direct result of his involvement in gang life. The story comes straight from James’ heart to let the audience know there are always choices to make in life, and that the choices have consequences. The presentation is followed by a short film, “Victory Alaska” and Q&A session.
COST
Fees are determined by size of assembly, number of assemblies, and travel distance.
