SENATE HONORS ERIC LEONARD WITH "ACHIEVERS" AWARD

Senator Bruno meets with Eric Leonard at the New York State Senate�s Achievers Awards Ceremony in Albany.

First Annual Award Recognizes Special Contributions by People with Disabilities

Tuesday, April 30, 2002

Senate Majority Leader Joseph L. Bruno today named Eric Leonard from Troy as a recipient of the New York State Senate�s first "Achievers Awards." The prestigious award recognizes an individual�s ability to overcome personal, physical challenges and honors an individual�s accomplishment on behalf of themselves and their community.

"The �Achievers Award� is an honor that recognizes the triumph of individuals over sometimes daunting physical challenges, and it is bestowed on those whose efforts serve as an example of courage, personal excellence and achievement for our entire community," said Senator Bruno. "I am especially pleased to honor Mr. Leonard for the tremendous example he provides in breaking barriers and overcoming obstacles. His achievements should be a source of pride and inspiration to all us."

Eric Leonard planned a career as a third generation member of the Iron Workers Union Local #12. Instead, two weeks after his 21st birthday, he was in a car accident that left him paralyzed for life. The fear of not being able to take care of himself, coupled with a devoted support system of family and friends, was all the motivation he needed to reach his goal of once again living an independent, fulfilling life.

After spending months in the intensive care unit of Albany Medical Center, stricken with pneumonia and other side effects from breaking his neck in two places, he was transferred to Sunnyview Rehabilitation Hospital in Schnectady. His incredible battle proved to be a slow, arduous one, as he was initially unable to move any fingers. It took months of intense therapy to relearn basic life skills, such as such as sitting up, picking things up with his hands, learning how to dress and to feed himself.

During his workouts with Warriors on Wheels and his trainer Ned Norton, Mr. Leonard went from not being able to lift his hands over his head to bench pressing well over 200 lbs. During this struggle, amazingly, Mr. Leonard also earned an associates degree from Hudson Valley Community College, and a BA from SUNY Albany.

For a high-resolution photo of Senator Bruno with Eric Leonard, click here.