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When I think of Kent, these are the words that come to mind:
Determination, Courage, Tenacity, and Perseverance.
Kent is a Champion in his own right. He is the chief of staff for Congressman Nick Rahall of West Virginia.
Kent began services with the Department of Rehabilitative Services
after he sustained a spinal cord injury due to a low blood pressure fall in his home.
Kent does not define himself, or even limit himself to a disability, but by his abilities.
Kent's "can-do" attitude, positive outlook on life, coupled with his hard work
has afforded him the ability to prevail.
Kent continues to rise above his experience, and is back to work full time,
setting a very high standard for us all. So please let's welcome a true fighter, Timothy Kent Keyser
[applause]
Thank you Karen. Isn't she great?
If you can imagine, she's even a better Counselor. Gotta introduce her.
I got a call from my old high school History teacher just this week.
And he apologized that he hadn't called me in the last two years, because he didn't know about my accident.
But he did say he wished he'd known, and he was sorry I had lived through hell.
And I told him I had lived through a couple of Presidential Administrations that were hell.
But, because of Karen and Doug James, I really hadn't been through hell in the last two years.
Thank you all very much.
And Commissioner, thank you for team, they're wonderful.
Nobody's every christened me a Champion before, so I thank you.
I'm honored, and truly humbled,
especially when I consider all the responsibilities that go with that term: Champion.
I've had a lot of people champion my cause.
working on my recovery, getting back to work
and I'm happy to have two of those people with me today.
Pablo Hernandez does coordinated therapy, training and is my personal care attendant.
And obviously, he's pretty sick of me by now -
[Laughter] - because he's worked with me since the beginning of my accident.
While I was an inpatient at NRH, I'll never forget the first visit from Karen.
With a warm smile, a distinct professionalism, and a message that was music to my ears -
Karen announced confidently: "I'm hear to help you get back to work."
In my thirty plus years of working, no one has been more giving, considerate, and helpful
than Karen - in the public sector
Whether it was a phone conversation at six A.M.,
a weekend home visit, or email at all hours, Karen made sure I moved forward
on track and on time. She left no aspect of my work environment undone.
From getting me out of the house, to work from working from home,
to getting the expert advice and recommendations from the diligent staff
that Virginia DRS enjoys. Together, they've helped me with my home
from getting into my shower, and out my front door.
They helped me with my office workspace, stationery design
and Karen helped belay the concerns of co-workers
Most Importantly, Karen helped me with the rigors of being accepted
into the PAS program, without which - I would not be working.
My third champion is my boss, and I must say to your graphics department
this is the first time my name has been bigger than his.
[Laughter] who called me day one in the hospital
when I couldn't even move a toe or a finger.
Knowing the demands of being his chief of staff, I told him to hire someone else.
True to character, he replied "No, you will be back. Listen to what the doctors tell you."
He's the most supportive boss you could ever hope to have hire you -
- he's there at every turn for me.
Intense exercise has been building my strength and balance.
With it, I keep progressing, which drives my therapy, fueling my recovery
and returning me to work with my full responsibilities.
I wanted to share this with you, because I think my progress is not unique.
It can be a model for others - many others. So I promise you this:
I will cherish this new title of "Champion" as I work with employers,
DRS, organizations or foundations, and anyone who will listen
to share my experiences as we champion the causes of others.
It was William Faulkner who said: "Man should not just simply endure
Rather, man should prevail." I'm not finished recovering.
I have more goals to achieve - more lessons to learn and share.
I will not sit back, and just endure. With your continued help, I - we will prevail.
Thank you very much. [Applause]