Survivingwas not enough for Brenda Gilmore who was paralyzed in an automobile accidentas a young woman. The professionalphotographer not only survived, she transformed her life -- becoming one of thebest wheelchair tennis players in the country and a recognized children'sinstructor in tennis. In this profile, we learn about a Washington, DC-area woman who provideslife lessons for young people.
BrendaGilmore is an unusual tennis instructor. She is also one of the top ten wheelchair tennis players in the UnitedStates. She says exercise is difficultfor people in wheelchairs. Muscles can deteriorate.
Gilmorecoaches young people like Steve, who was born with paralysis. He is now 18 and going to college. He has trained with Gilmore for three 3 years,saying, "she is making me better."
ButGilmore offers these kids much more than just exercise. She says the fundamentals of tennis teach alot about life lessons -- how to react to life's adversities, how to handlestrong contenders and most of all, how to always give the best that you can.
"WhatI explain to our young people is that you need to learn how to be a teamplayer, but you also need to take responsibility for yourself as a person inmaking decisions," says Gilmore.
Shelearned to thrive under adversity. At 27,she was a competitive athlete and a successful professional in film andphotography. One night, driving home,Gilmore was involved in a nearly fatal car accident. Injuries to her spinal cord left herparalyzed from the waist down. Herrecovery was long and painful.
Brendaresumed professional photography and, determined to continue playing sports,she took up wheelchair tennis. Shebecame one of the best players in the country, collecting numerous trophies, awardsand recognitions.
Brendawas the first African American woman to play on the wheelchair tennis circuitand maintain a national ranking in the top 10 for five years.
Withina few years, she was working full-time in tennis and volunteering as achildren's instructor. Fifteen years agoBrenda co-founded the Prince George's Tennis and Education Foundation in theWashington, DC suburbs. Here she hasbeen able to reach thousands of children and is now the director.
Brendaloves working with kids and showing them how to overcome adversity.
"IfI am not giving up, you don't give up. Give all that you can even if you do lose, it is not the end of theworld. And everybody loses some time --how do you handle it? That transitionsright over into everyday life," says Gilmore.
Andso Brenda Gilmore continues teaching tennis, spreading her message of hardwork, perseverance and positive attitude with as many children as possible.