My Story

My name is Dr. Eric William Gabriel, and I live in Mebane, North Carolina. I am a 63-year old bi-lateral, above knees amputee and have had over 63 orthopedic surgeries. I have had many ups and downs, and though at times, during my darkest hours, I have wanted to give up. Instead, I put my faith and trust in God.  He is the reason I am alive today and living a healthier life.  Due to my medical circumstances, I have been home bound for over 10 years and need, wish to get out in the community, teach at the college level, and provide motivational support to those with disabilities – share my story, while regaining my life and identity. I am not a war hero, fireman, police officer, or anyone of notoriety. I am a blue-collar guy who believes in hard work, not giving up, wanting to inspire and motivate those with not just a disability, but those who struggle with life’s obstacles and hardships that present themselves.

            I was born and raised in Levittown, Long Island NY, one of the first pre-panned housing developments in the United States. I enjoyed growing up, going to school, and playing baseball. Later in my life, I discovered softball. Starting in my late teens and early twenties, I played competitive softball for 18 years.  I thoroughly enjoyed the experience, gained respect from both my teammates and opposing players, and won many awards for my performance. But my playing style would come at a great cost.

            Because of my aggressive playing style—often sliding headfirst into bases while wearing only shorts—I injured my knees.  The constant scraping of skin on hard gravel caused deep abrasions and internal injuries.  Years and years of wear and tear led to surgeries and more surgeries.  At a certain point, I had to decide whether to endure the terrible pain and immobility caused by the mounting surgeries, or have my right leg amputated. I opted for the latter, and in 2009, I had my right leg removed. A few years later, in 2018, I had to have my left leg amputated, resulting in me being a bi-lateral, above knees amputee. Both 2009 and 2018 were the worst and yet best years of my life.

            I found purpose and meaning. This started by my discovery and involvement with the sport of rowing.  More specifically, adaptive rowing.  I found, even though I was a bilateral amputee, that I could row using a machine called an ERG. Eventually, this led me into competition. I competed three times in the World Indoor Rowing Adaptive Championships in Boston, Massachusetts and won a silver medal at my first Championship. I recently finished first in the category of 60 year and older lower leg amputee males.  In 2012, I was invited to try out for the United States Paralympic Rowing Team. Though I did not win a spot on the team, I am forever grateful for the opportunity and experience I gained by the leadership, inspiration, and motivation of my fellow athletes.

            Through these experiences, I became deeply interested in higher education.  As a result of rowing, I began asking questions about the experiences of handicapped individuals in sporting activities: Why do participants engage in adaptive sports?  What are the mental, emotional, and physical outcomes?  How does competition affect individual motivation?  Finally, how does adaptive sports impact life goals?  In 2018, I graduated with an Ed.D. in Organizational Leadership.  My dissertation was entitled, “Preparatory Exercise, Competition, and Well-Being of Lower Leg Amputee Men: A Qualitative, Descriptive Study." My proudest day was receiving my degree in the mail and attending commencement ceremonies at Grand Canyon University in Phoenix, Arizona.

            I have many goals for the future which include research on disabled individuals adapting to life in the workplace, athletics, education, and society.  I want to continue to train for future rowing competitions.  I want to teach at area colleges or universities.  And finally, I would love to share my story through motivational speaking, especially for those who have had an arm or leg amputation or loss of limb mobility. I thank you for taking the time to read my mission statement and wish all of you, good health and prosperity.  God Bless.