Paralyzed after massive stroke, cyclist en route to Paralympics

“I was out to sea about 75 percent of the time,” Peace, a Michigan native, told FoxNews.com. “I was always working, even whenever I was in port.”

But in 2006, everything changed. Stationed in San Diego at the time, 32-year-old Peace suffered a massive stroke, leaving him partially paralyzed on one side of his body. In that instant, his naval career was over.

Told he may never walk again, Peace was determined to move beyond his tragic episode and get back on his feet. Now, not only is he able to walk on his own, but he is heading to the 2012 London Paralympic Games next week, with hopes of bringing home the gold in two men’s cycling events.

An ordinary night

Peace’s journey began on an average night in October of 2006, when he had invited a friend over for a simple dinner. After his friend left, he stayed up late to watch TV before going to bed.

As Peace turned off the television and got up from his couch, the unthinkable happened.

“It hit me, ‘Bam, you’re having a stroke!’” Peace said. “…I hit the floor [immediately]. I couldn’t speak, couldn’t use my right side at all. It messes with your mind. I was telling myself, ‘I need to sleep this off.’ For that I don’t know.”

To see the entire original article: CLICK HERE