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Every so often, a thread pops up about a person who inspires us by overcoming something that most of us cannot comprehend or find insurmountable! I just wanted to remind everybody, that we have a member on this board that a lot of you may be familiar with and some that aren't, who falls into this category. His name is Jeff Black (screen name is JBlack). I saw that he had posted the other day and was so glad to see him here again!! Jeff has Osteogenesis Imperfecta or OI for short. It's also known as brittle bone disease. There are different types with various effects, all of which have devastating consequences. Jeff is a type IV....When he was 11 years old, he was just walking through a store with his family and his leg broke!! That's what this disease is like!! Wait until you see what Jeff has accomplished!!!
I'm familiar with this disease because my girlfriends brother had it. He passed away 11 years ago this month at the age of 38! He wasn't even expected to live after birth!! He had a very severe form....When he was born, the doctors and nurses stopped counting broken bones at 50!!! The vaginal birth just crushed him. Back then they had no idea that there was anything wrong until he was born. He spent his life in a wheel chair but was as active as he could be and eventually ran a sports camp for kids....He was loved and admired by many!!! He was and is an inspiration for myself and many others!!! Every other year the OI foundation has a convention which my girlfriend and her mother attend. In 2010, it was in Oregon and it was my first time going! Let me tell you, it is full of energy, excitement, and fun!! No pity party at all!!! The positive energy is infectious!!! This year, in July, the convention will be in Washington, DC and once again I'll be there to learn, laugh, and love!!! Best of all, Jeff and I just touched base and it looks like he's going to go despite being deep into his prep....Great heart there!!!
Now, back to our member Jeff! He is a National competitor and a true inspiration!! This summer he will be competing in the Mr. Tennessee and the North Americans!! Here is a link to an article that RX Muscle did on him in September 2010. He tells some of his story here!! Trust me, you'll be amazed and deeply moved!! Read the article first and then check out the videos!! Once you read about his disease and then see him train, you'll be amazed!! He's accomplished something that technically should be impossible for somebody with his condition!! Jeff is a true warrior who went through a lot of pain and personal sacrifice to defy the odds and get to where he is now!! Thank you Jeff for being such an inspiration!!!
Jeff Black: He Breaks, But Comes Back!
Jeff Black 5 weeks out from Nationals - YouTube
Jeff Black 5 weeks out from Nationals, shoulders part 2 - YouTube
I'm familiar with this disease because my girlfriends brother had it. He passed away 11 years ago this month at the age of 38! He wasn't even expected to live after birth!! He had a very severe form....When he was born, the doctors and nurses stopped counting broken bones at 50!!! The vaginal birth just crushed him. Back then they had no idea that there was anything wrong until he was born. He spent his life in a wheel chair but was as active as he could be and eventually ran a sports camp for kids....He was loved and admired by many!!! He was and is an inspiration for myself and many others!!! Every other year the OI foundation has a convention which my girlfriend and her mother attend. In 2010, it was in Oregon and it was my first time going! Let me tell you, it is full of energy, excitement, and fun!! No pity party at all!!! The positive energy is infectious!!! This year, in July, the convention will be in Washington, DC and once again I'll be there to learn, laugh, and love!!! Best of all, Jeff and I just touched base and it looks like he's going to go despite being deep into his prep....Great heart there!!!
Now, back to our member Jeff! He is a National competitor and a true inspiration!! This summer he will be competing in the Mr. Tennessee and the North Americans!! Here is a link to an article that RX Muscle did on him in September 2010. He tells some of his story here!! Trust me, you'll be amazed and deeply moved!! Read the article first and then check out the videos!! Once you read about his disease and then see him train, you'll be amazed!! He's accomplished something that technically should be impossible for somebody with his condition!! Jeff is a true warrior who went through a lot of pain and personal sacrifice to defy the odds and get to where he is now!! Thank you Jeff for being such an inspiration!!!
Jeff Black: He Breaks, But Comes Back!
Jeff Black 5 weeks out from Nationals - YouTube
Jeff Black 5 weeks out from Nationals, shoulders part 2 - YouTube
