Background
I’m Eddie DiDonato and I am the youngest of three children born to two loving parents in suburban Philadelphia. My childhood was a charmed one, excelling in academics and athletics throughout school. This culminated with graduating from Villanova University in May 2009, where I was two-time captain for the men's lacrosse team. Upon graduation, I got an insurance job and was enjoying my early 20’s. However, on January 17, 2010, after a night out in Olde City, Philadelphia I was shot six times at close range. My physical and mental journey back, complete with successes and failures has become the inspiration for this blog. After almost losing my life, I realized that I want to live my best possible life and motivate others to do the same.
My Journey
Did he say he got shot?! Rewind. That's always the response. So, here we go. It was a night out in Philadelphia with friends much like many others in my early 20s. This one just ended differently. A friend I was with had an altercation with another guy, and within sixty seconds that guy had a gun drawn. Hands in the air, stupidly, I asked, "C’mon who are you going to shoot?" Bad question. He fired twice, hitting me in the hand and shoulder. I fell forward and he fired four more times into my abdomen. In all, he hit me six times. I laid there unable to get up due to paralysis from one of the bullets landing in my spinal nerves. At 22, I thought life was over. In all, I received 14 surgeries and underwent years of rehab to regain the ability to walk, regain control of my bladder and bowels, as well as regain sexual function.
The Blog
The injuries and trials I have faced have given me a unique, and surprisingly positive, perspective on life. I've found that my perspective is helpful to some, and that is why I want to share it through this blog. My tears, pains, struggles, and triumphs will be on display to provide proof that regardless of situations: Life. Gets. Better. We only need to believe it will and work hard to make it happen. I’ve gone from a wheelchair to a triathlon to a bodybuilding competition, while still dealing with paralysis through the lower half of my body. I don’t claim to have all the answers, but I can certainly speak to what has and has not worked for me. I hope you'll follow along and my experiences can give you hope and strength.