My wife was such a strong independent person. When she got cancer. She withered away but I always saw her as beautiful as the day I met her. One day I was picking her up from our bed to put her in our bathtub. With tears in her eyes she turned to me and said thank you. I was totally confused. I didn’t understand why she would thank me. I thought I understood why she was sad. So I asked her. Thank you for what??? She replied for not leaving and staying with me. I replied with the only thing I thought which was, where would I go? Where would I be without you. I never understood why she said that at the time. But years later I see things like this. To me there was no option to not be there. I couldn’t imagine myself anywhere else. I would be by her side no matter what happened. I miss her. She was the kindest person I ever met. It was my honor to take care of her. I only wish I could have had more time to take care of her. I wish I could pick her up again. Hold her. Talk to her. Life is to short. Tell your loved ones how you feel about them.

Getting seriously hurt or getting sick with a serious Illness really shows you who the real friends are.

There’s a young gentleman who was a med student after a car accident had the same injury. He finished his medical school, he is a doctor now.

I’m a T4 paraplegic. Paralyzed from my chest. It’s been 18 yrs. I hope for you to know that your injury doesn’t define who you are. And that life can be so full, rich and exciting. Stay positive!!

You will find out who is sincere & genuine when tragedy strikes

My heart aches for this young man...first he loses his brother, then his ability to walk, then his fiance because she couldn't handle it...if he can get through this, he can get through anything...i have a profound respect and admiration for him....God Bless

When i got leukemia, my relationship didn't last long either, my friends stopped calling me, and suddenly, i was all alone. I had lucky with my mom though, even though she hadn't a driver license, she always managed to be there by my side every single day. She passed away almost two years ago and it's been very hard for me since then. But i try to move on, step by step, day by day...

Hang in there Ash - my younger sister has been paralyzed her entire life (birth injury). Never a "why me". She lives on her own in NYC. Doctors told us she wouldn't live past 16 - now at 68 she is still going strong. Love and blessings from Florida And God Bless your mum.

God bless that mother. Husband left her while pregnant. Lost oldest son in a wreck at just 20 years old. Then almost loses her other...never once heard the “why me?” I think he gets his strength and positivity from his mother! ❤️❤️❤️

We're happy that Ashley's story is having such a positive effect on so many of you. At Attitude, we're about supporting and encouraging others to live to their full potential so discouraging or abusive comments will be deleted.

I love the way he talked about his mum. She is why he's so strong.

I'm sorry this happened to you. With your personality and intelligence you'll lead a great life despite your injuries. Best of luck to you.

My college friend’s son had a stroke at 17 yrs old, and is a quadriplegic with minimal movement in his left arm. After hospital and rehab, he is now, 3 yrs later, a college freshman! Anything is possible! And yes, your princess is most definitely out there!

I definitely see him with a partner when the time is right. For now, growing and learning and figuring out this new life. I wish him the best.

Absolutely no way he’s going to stay single

I fell 30’ from a tree 5 months ago. I had a L1 burst fracture along with SCI. I also tore my LCL, MCL and ACL. Had no bladder or colon control and totally numb through my entire hip region. It’s been a fight and will continue to be a fight as you know all too well. Still going through my PT but we are still here! Stay at it Bro!

Heartbreaking his fiancée left him so shortly after. I just want to give him a big hug. I know he will find the right girl someday soon!

I would love to see Attitude turn this into a series that follows Ashley’s recovery. It would also show his journey as a newly disabled person learning how to adapt from being a disability support worker to being a part of the disability community. I think it would be quite interesting!

I am relieved that you didn’t injure the cervical spine any higher because you could have lost your ability to speak and breathe without a ventilator. But, that didn’t happen. So use your voice that was spared to continue reaching out and teaching us all what it means to really live. You are an inspiration, my friend. Thank you, Ash.

Seeing Ashley struggle to get in the car really hit me. What a lovely friend and friends he has. And his Mum is the best. This young man will achieve so much. He has a great support network around him.

Ashley, I suffered a severe spinal injury and a deforming arm injury the same day. I am able to walk now after a long fight. I understand your grief and feeling the losses. One thing I'm grateful for, is the dramatic change in my heart. I'm a better person since my accident. Appreciate more, love more, more compassionate, empathetic, giving, understanding...so much more appreciative of everything. Would I change my injuries, No. Because I love me better now. Your making amazing progress! Keep pushing.

I just suffered an SCI early September. I totally understand your level of grief and loss. I was an active dancer, performer, educator most my life... and now my world has been completely turned upside down. 😢 Sending healing energy to us both. 🙏🏾

It seems that all tragedy is laid upon a huge range... I am a retired educator /counselor and end-of-life/ bereavement specialist for children(0-18, most being under 13) with cancer and for their families. Watching your story, I take a breath of relief that you are a survivor, Mr. Ashley, and that you are not battling the traitorous killer that put children through the hell of treatment, and at worst, killed them...some 3, or 6,, or 10, or 16 year-olds -- Many of "my" kids who are not here any more spent time in wheelchairs, and they would happily stay there in their chairs for the rest of their lives, if it meant that they could still be with their families, and the people they loved... You are a WONDERFUL example of independence, hard earned and absolutely deserved! BRAVO for simply...going forward without losing the spice and spark you always had, and more. Why? ... Really, who the hell knows. One plods forward, and takes the little beauties of life...there are so many. Many, many cheers!

Dear Ashley: wishing you the absolute best in life. You’re a blessing, and an inspiration!

It just goes to show how rare true love really is.

My SCI is C5/6 quadriplegic, I was told I’d never walk again and I’m paralyzed from the chest down. You truly are an inspiration to me. I really don’t know how to describe it. You have a great personality and your outlook on life is great. You have a wonderful mom that is always there for you. You have a wonderful group friends that have never left your life. I honestly don’t know where I’d be at if it wasn’t for my family. Just watching this video took like 20 pounds of bricks off my chest. Like I said I don’t know how to describe it but you truly are an inspiration to me. You should look up Project Walk. I think you’d really benefit from that. Keep that positive feeling you have and there’s no doubt you’ll make it far in their world.

His mom is so beautiful...so amazing. She gets all of her joy from loving her son and he loves her right back.

Puts everything into perspective for me and what I’m dealing with. Someone always has it worse. Be thankful every day for everything you have bc it can be taken away.

Australia and New Zealand have some of the absolute best para sport/special Olympics teams in the world. I hope he finds a way to get involved with them. Even coaching is an amazing thing he can do.

I became a paraplegic at the age of 18, I turned 19 in ICU on life support in a coma. It has been 31 years and I can honestly say I’ve had a great life. Attitude is everything when something like this happens. I live independently and I do almost everything I did before. I may have to do things differently but I usually figure out a way to do the things I love. Honestly the toughest thing has been dealing with people that don’t know me. It’s the looks/stares and sometimes the words they will say to you. I’ve learned to just ignore it and show people I’m just like them, I just use a chair to get around.

Heartbreaking that his brother died. This guy is awesome. Super cute too

Such an inspiring story 💙 He has an incredibly beautiful attitude. Mom, you clearly raised a good man xoxo

What a wonderful mom and son. Truly an inspiration.

LOVE him ❤️ his mom is so beautiful and those are real friends 💗 he's so adorable too.

Just had a huge crash broke my back and ankle. I’m 60 years old, exercised compulsively for 35 years. So grateful I can still move my legs and arms. I’m in recovery. Thank you for the inspiration.

I give him a lot of credit he does better in every day life in a wheel chair then I do and I just have depression.

If that happened to my fiancé I would never leave him ....he has such wonderful outlook and you can see he will do great!!!

The story is so motivational. What I really really admire about him is that he may not be the most loud and outspoken individual in this video, but he’s got such a quiet confidence. And many people out there need to know that it’s OK to have that quiet confidence. I just know in my heart that he is going to do some pretty spectacular things. And this is just the first step. I have cerebral palsy myself. And I’ve learned that the biggest limitation in your life is you, yourself. He doesn’t have that limitation. At least not all the time. I really really admire him. You got this!!

As a doctor, I have seen few cases of young people with spinal cord injury. Of course it is difficult for everyone to overcome a trauma like this, but I think it is more challenging, emotionally talking, for this joyful people, who are adventurous and enjoy outdoors and extreme activities. . Also, I admire how they have this energy, strenght and wild spirit which continues fighting hard for life and happiness. God bless all people who are enduring spinal cord injury.

Gosh! If I was 40 years younger, I would marry him myself (not that such an amazing man would want to marry me). What a kind and sweet man. They are very rare these days. May God richly bless you, your mom, and all of the people who love you just the way your are!

Watching your story after my brother's spinal cord injury, I just wanted to know how a person can handle all this without any mental/emotional breakdown. Such a great story, I have learnt how to support my brother in future.

I started watching this story feeling absolutely devastated for you, by the end I was thinking you’ve got this! You’re totally smashing it!!! Just proves that nothing should stop you from achieving great things in life.

I swear life is so unpredictable.

People keep craping on the fiance, though I wouldn't leave. It is probably better that she left rather than have things go south later on. Imagine if she stayed, was his primary care provider, and then left. That happens a lot, yes it's still a bad situation but at least he is learning to do things by himself and now when he finds the right person they will already see and know what challenges he needs help with and what he can do solo. I deal with a chronic invisible illness and my husband and I while dating went through the rough part of being a caregiver. We have worked together and with help so now we have good day tasks and bad day tasks. For example on a good day I am pretty self-sufficient, I need help with certain tasks but very minimal. On a bad day it's hard for me to get up to use the restroom. Now he is in the military and we have been setting things up for me to do things on my own on bad days as well as good days.

Go Ashley! You are such a bad ass! Your toughness mentally and physical is awesome! Wishing you all the greatest!!

What a beautiful relationship between mother and son.. She loves him so much so unconditionally 💗 ❤ 💕

God bless this man and everyone around him helping him acclimate to his new normal. My Grandad was a paraplegic so this really hits home for me. P.S. My Grandad was told he would never walk again, My Aunt was getting married and he was determined to "walk her down the isle and give her away" and by God!! He had a special frame made which he had to have physio for were talking months of intense work.. pain, tears, sweat... and he walked his daughter down the isle...

Telling people about the dangers of “FUN” is a much needed conversation. The young feel invincible, while not realizing the reality of injuries. Here’s hoping for a recovery of miraculous possibility. 🤗

Ashley, you have a life to get out and live and you have a very special lady , your mum, whose got your back. Take care matey, xxxx

Glad for you that you are in a place with such support. I live in the US and am my mother's carer. Wiped out every bit of savings any of us had.

What a wonderful man, it warms my heart when I hear a young man say beautiful words about their Mums. He would probably never think he would experience both sides of the spectrum of disability. But also what an asset to the disability sector. An amazing spirit, an amazing man

What an amazing story of perseverance! His mom is a true blessing and gift! The love he has for her says so much! I wish him the very best that life has to offer on this next journey of his life!

It's great to see how much support you have!

My brother just became a paraplegic after he severed his spinal cord a few days ago. I’m truly lost on how to remain a rock for him. But seeing this gives me hope he will find a rewarding life from a wheelchair. My heart is in pieces for him tho.

The determination in this man's life is out of this world. Im proud of him. It wouldn't surprise me if he was able to walk in the future. Anything is possible

What an amazing attitude this guy has. The love he has for his mom is so wonderful. Not sure if you ever heard of Joni Erickson -Tada from the U.S.A. She had a spinal cord injury when she was 17. She is a quadriplegic and in her 60’s now. She has a wonderful ministry of educating the world about people in wheelchairs. God turned her life into something so beautiful by looking at life and people in a different way. She has helped me to rejoice and be thankful when life seemed hopeless. Praying for you and your mom as your continue your journey. 🙏🏻

I think about his struggle and I find the strength in myself.

I follow Micheal Jeremiasz on facebook. He started tennis at age 6 and became paraplegic after a ski accident at age 20. He is now one of the most famous wheelchair athlete. Never give up.

A friend of mine, close friend of my brother, a quadriplegic since he had polio at age 13, died recently at age 79. He was married to his second wife and had grown children. He controlled a huge, complicated wheelchair-type conveyance by blowing into a tube. He drew and painted-was a successful artist-by holding pens and brushes in his mouth. Used a computer. He was very, very seriously injured but with the physical help of others and the strength of his own personality , he lead a really great life. A man like you, with a zest for life, will too.

What an amazing man he is and so much love from his darling mum and friends and family.What an inspiration he will be for other rehab injuries and actually inspiring for people suffering from depression like me and learning to recover from 2year ankle injury.No doubt about having love and support surrounding you helps so much and of course our beloved animals.xo Kia Kaha from New Zealand

Stay strong Ashley! Wishing the best for you!

Makes you appreciate the family and friends that stick with ya. When I had leukaemia my school friends didn’t drop me, they made sure I was up to date on all the things and my family was in hospital every single day. Takes a village and I’m thankful they all stayed so close.

What an inspirational story Ashley! I will be following your progress to celebrate your recovery with you here!

Never ever dive into water unless you know that there’s no obstacles and it’s deep enough!

God bless this mother and her 2 sons .... I believe Ash is so strong and so resilient because he’s doing this for his brother. ❤️

You're an inspiration Ashley. I'm happy you're not giving up. I'm a paraplegic myself so I know how hard the struggle can be. I was injured in a car accident in 2007. It's been 12 almost 13 years now and sometimes it's hard but we just have to keep going and never give up.

The positivity that Ashley and his mum has is absolutely inspiring. Thank you so much for sure his story.....

You are an amazing young man. It’s great to see your support system that is in place. I feel you will go far in life and not let this accident hold you back. God bless you and everyone that helps you. ❤️🙏🏻

Thank you for this video. Your video mirrors my brother’s struggles following his SCI, as well as the active lifestyle he lived prior to his injury. It’s comforting to know we aren’t alone. 💚

Keep on living to the fullest Ash!!! Don’t never give up? Learning the new norms now is hard; anything new is hard but positivity is the right attitude! God bless you and everything that you do!

You're turning a tragedy into a triumph! I have so much admiration for your strength to build a new life for yourself, and to do it with such grace.

What an incredible and inspirational young man, I'm so impressed. I wish him every blessing and happiness in the world :)

What a absolute inspiration. Family, and good friends mean everything. Wonderful true Mother. Keep reaching it's there for you. Your incredibly positive outlook will carry you far. Bless you Sir!🙏🙋‍♂️

I hope I get a chance to meet this guy someday! I've never met a guy with the same name as me let alone one is also disabled like myself.

Ash, I too suffered from a spinal cord injury in my lower spine. You are the first KZfaqr I have seen who has such an injury. When I was 18 I injured myself in an accident at home. The pain was unbelievable yet my legs were numb and difficult to walk on. I kept falling down or collapsing because my legs wouldnt hold me up. The doctors told me that my spinal cord was badly damaged and they expected me to end up in a wheelchair before I was 25. Well i have only just gone into a wheelchair...and I'm 57! All the years inbetween I WALKED! I admire your tenacious attitude Ash, you fight back and make your body give you every damn ounce of strength it can.miracles happen every single day. Never give up, never back down, and keep a smile on your face at all times. You're a winner, with or without wheels! God bless you Ash. I will be praying for you. From a fan in South Wales. UK.

I just want to hug his mom. She did an amazing job raising him. Im so Happy his buddies stuck around! You'll find love again because your an awesome genuine guy.

This man is so super handsome, funny and has such a kind personally 💜 What a catch! Any woman would be so lucky to have him. I hope he is still staying strong and positive today xo

I am having anxiety/PTSD disorder. Through the years, i know how important mums are. Love them as long as you can. Time flies fast.

Like mother like son, you are both survivors and powerhouse thrivers. Continued healing and inspiration

Ash, your positive attitude will carry you far. Continue being you and going and moving forward. Great mom! Great friend's!

I’m in horrendous pain if I don’t move at all I’m ok, but trying to move is literally like being stabbed repeatedly in my back. It’s so painful you can’t move you can’t cry you just sob. I have a morphine pump that eventually will ease this but not take it away. But watching your story has made me want to try harder to Appreciate what I do have. I can go to the bathroom on my own when I want to, I can change positions on my own, I can feed myself all these things I took for granite. Watching your struggle is heartbreaking. But watching you Fight is Motivational and life saving For Me. I will no longer do optical racing I won’t even be able to walk around the block, but I Can Walk. You’ve really woke me up I was thinking about checking out. But now I’m counting my blessings. I’m sorry that watching you struggle gave me hope but I see you fight which shows me I can fight. Thank you for your video and don’t be crushed about your girlfriend your Person is out there and when you find her it will be unbelievable. I’ve been married 31 years and my person is Everything to me. Hang in there, please.

You are an inspiration! Regardless of the injuries, you truly are a good soul at heart! I wish nothing but love to you sir!

This guy has the most amazing support system. His mother is awesome. At the end when he spoke about how much she means to him, I was in tears. Very inspirational story.

What an amazing guy. I work in disabilities as a Support Worker and it gives me a Great feeling of gratitude when I give support to my clients. I feel you are such a positive guy, Ashley and you will make a Great advocate for your future clients. I wish you all the Best and your awesome Mum!

What fool would give a thumbs down, it just astounds me. What a wonderful story on a wonderful man, I wish you so much love and happiness in life !!! xox

You will continue to be an inspiration. You’re an incredible young man. You’re so loved because you’re so special, and not because of your injuries. Some people just bring life, happiness and goodness to others. You are definitely one of them. I can see a great future for you in not only Improving but you have a gift 💝 to help others. Thank you for sharing and love to your lovely mum. Xxx

Ashley you are remarkable and amazing! After what you’ve been through your zest for life is incredible. You no doubt will overcome this handicap and will be an inspiration to many who don’t have your kind compassionate spirit!!

You are definitely an inspiration. So is your wonderful mother....the way you talk about your mother brings tears to my eyes. Luv u guys

He is so cute, I hope he finds a good girl

Keep going strong mate your doing well and lucky to have such wonderful people around you.

You have such a strong mum and people that love you around you. Sending my love to you.

What an inspirational bloke you are Ash. All the best for the future to you, your lovely mum and your friends.

Please make a channel, you have a story that just pulls you right in. I love your mom and your amazing friends. You are still here to motivate and help people all around the world! I can’t wait to see how that wheelchair doesn’t hold you back 🤩❤️

If he doesn’t have nerve pain he will be ok, honestly. When they took me off pain meds in the hospital in rehab I noticed a little pain in my left knee. That pain was tolerable for about 15 years although it was getting much worse and spreading. After that point as the pain progressed I was no longer able to exercise or even sit for a few hours at a time. It’s 24/7 pain that is torture and hits all over my hips and especially thighs and knee. It can be so severe that i am hospitalized. I can no longer go out and it has taken a toll on my body which causes other problems because of the stresses. Many people with spinal cord injuries don’t have this severe chronic neuropathic pain and they can lead decent lives and stay active. If that’s the case here then I wholeheartedly believe he will do fine. It’s by no means a easy injury to live with with or without pain, but without the pain a decent life is absolutely possible. Best of luck.

Fab doco. So positive ash. Kicking big goals. What an amazing support group you have around you

Imagine leaving your fiance when they became disabled, I could never

24:30 "Mum's mum... Yeah, how do you say it? Mum's... I've always said it, never been afraid of, you know, being a mama's boy. She's beautiful. Mums my world. The most generous and kind, selfless person I've ever met in my life. She only tells me these things now that I'm older. But she would go years without buying a single item of clothing for herself. Just to give me and my brother everything that we ever needed. You know, LOVE MUM 😍👍" I totally agree. My mom is the same. She now has my kids for short term while I am going through debilitating mental illness. You are so strong and inspirational! Stay strong and continue to be an inspiration. Which is only natural. "Hit the ground running" is really what I see. Best of luck and well wishes to you and your friends and family.

Omg. This family has gone through so much. God bless them that they are so beautiful.

Really happy with how many supportive people he has around him - he has such a positive outlook on life considering everything he’s been through. I wish him nothing but the best. Such an awesome mum he has too 😊

Bless this family! They have been through so much but have so much hope and faith in their hearts. Beautiful.