Altadena Resident and Past Hometown Football Hero Honored

50-year-old John Muir alumni Victor Wright's life changed in the flash of a moment in a football game in 1976 as he made a tackle on a St. Francis defender following an interception. At the time  he was a 15 year-old sophomore playing running back on the football team, and after the play he never walked again.

Wright, a graduate of the class of 1979 suffered a double fracture of his spinal chord leaving him quadriplegic, paralyzed from the neck down and on a respirator in order to breathe.  He met Saturday for dinner with many of his classmates, who wanted to honor him for his achievements.

In spite of his medical condition he has accomplished a lot more than than many others who are blessed with a full deck of options.

Wright was still able to graduate with his class, in the top 10 percent of the class. He also received a college degree through a special program at Los Angeles City College.

Through the subsequent years Wright has been cared or by his mother, Dorothy Wright with assistance from his siblings and daily nursing care.

Wright said he considers it a blessing to be still alive, in spite of the odds against him made by the medical community, now past his 50th birthday. Typically people with this type of injury have a life expectancy of about ten years because of the numerous complication that arise.

Wright spoke very slowly, clearly and methodically in a phone interview before his Saturday dinner as he synchronized with his breathing apparatus. He said he is very grateful to be alive fully realize that many cannot claim that fact.

With Easter approaching and the celebration of his birthday coming up he is strengthened by his faith and lifted up by the love and support of family and friends. He said he was looking forward to attending the event after getting clearance from his doctors.

Wright is also quite appreciative of the support he receives. In fact he is an inspiration to them realizing what he is facing while still remaining optimistic after almost 35 years living in this condition.

Wright said that his mom's health is starting to fade, but he does have other siblings that helps as well.

It appears the injury has drawn the family together with a common assignment and that is to offer as much tender care as possible to this 50 year-old quadriplegic that continues to inspire them.

Although you never quite know what cards life may offer, one thing that is quite clear in this case is the depth of a mother’s love and the value of a loving family and true friends.

Though it may be hard, and at times almost unbearable, somehow and from somewhere, a mother’s divine spark kicks into another gear beyond what one would think were possible.

Dorothy Wright has been an angel as well as a mother to her son all this time. The closeness between mother and son has stitched these two souls together by a single thread. It is comforting to know that their faith keeps both of them going as well.

I spoke to one of his classmates; another Altadenan, Linda Lane White, and she told me that Victor has actually helped her tremendously as she was going through a tough time as a local Realtor. She says that Wright has been an inspiration to so many people because of his tireless will to live.

Dave Rutherford, a very close friend and classmate, wants his lifelong friend to be remembered and honored for his great courage.

Over the years Rutherford has been involved in many activities with Wright including a town-hall tribute to him on the 30th anniversary of his tragedy where nearly 200 people attended. He also helped organize a Golf Tournament at Brookside Golf Course, which raised thousands of dollars for much needed medical supplies.

Wright was elected to the John Muir High School Hall of Fame in 2008. In addition he is the chairman of the board of a non-profit charity dedicated to helping victims of natural disasters around the world. For more information, visit johnmuiralumni.org and familyoffriendsinternational.org.

It seems that so many who face the most insurmountable odds find a way to keep the flames of life flowing at a higher level of zest. We saw that same character in Christopher Reeves who had a very similar condition as well as many military personnel who lost limbs while serving their for their country.

Apparently there is a threshold in us that has the capability to stretch farther than we are aware when pressed up against the odds.

For people of faith you can’t help but say a prayer and wish them godly thoughts. Such individuals are our shinning examples of what is possible within the human spirit.

I would like to personally call upon the faith community and any others to do whatever they may be compelled to do for Victor and his family. Even if it is only a prayer or loving thoughts of good wishes, we certainly have the power to lift their spirits.