The Wheel Life Story of Dionte Christian

Book excerpt: I'm not an advocate for disability issues. Human issues are what interest me. Aimee Mullins The Abolition, Religious Freedom, Civil Rights, Women’s Suffrage, Anti-Poverty, Labor, Right to Life, LGBT, Peace, Anti-War,Veterans, Differently Challenged and Black Lives Matter Movements, were and are all about the same thing, the right of every human to respect, dignity,fair and equal treatment before the law and freedom. So though the focus of this book is about the “Wheel Life of Dionte Christian,” who was born with cerebral palsy, uses a wheelchair and survived a vicious attack on his life at just eleven years old, it highlights the resilience of the human spirit. It is about champions of every color, nationality, faith, class and ability which Dionte calls his brothers and sisters. Dionte asked me to write this book for him because he wants to take the pain of his life and struggles, and use it to help others heal. He decided in the Winter of 2020 that his salvation lies in dedicating his life and gifts to the liberation of the disabled, addicted and depressed from the tyranny of feelings of self-defeat, suicidal ideation and loneliness. He knows that in order to maintain his own sobriety and sanity, he must reach out to those who still suffer with the diseases of addiction, mental illness and depression as well as physical challenges. At the same time it is a Public Education Tool meant to inform everyone about how to best respect the dignity of the physically and mentally challenged in a way that includes them and not exclude them. Dionte lives in Westchester, Illinois. He graduated from Proviso West High School 2008. Completed one year study of Computer Technology at Triton Community College 2009. He frequently volunteers at Shirley Ryan’s Ability Lab and has previously been a volunteer at Easter Seals. His goal is to share his faith, hope and experience with others who are struggling with depression, addictions and physical challenges. Hit him up at [email protected], to schedule his appearance at your venue.