Adler’s dream was to be a professional motocross racer. He won his first motocross national championship at age 10 and was travelling the country competing at the highest levels. Homeschooling allowed him to concentrate on training, which he says taught him problem solving and discipline to “get things done.” His professional status was realized just two months before he was injured. While competing in a race, he miscalculated one of the jumps and slammed into the up ramp of the last jump, causing a burst fracture at T5 and other broken bones.  

With no feeling from the chest down, he was devastated and in disbelief and spent the next two months in the hospital doing inpatient therapy.  The tough times he had faced in his career helped prepare him for the challenges ahead and three months after the accident he was already driving. Now he enjoys skiing, going to the lake, handcycling and working out at the gym. Adler learned about SWM at The Perfect Step therapy clinic. His desire is to pursue a career helping athletes focus on mental health and motivation. He’s a freshman studying psychology at Oklahoma State University.