Inspiring 19-year-old Ronnie Tre Lawson, was a top hurdler in Georgia, who received sports scholarships from prestigious universities.
His track career would have continued to rise if it wasn’t for the car accident which tragically left him paralysed from the waist down in 2017.
Ronnie was on his way home after a track meet with friends, when his car veered off the road and dived into a thirty-foot ravine.
He was seriously injured and his spine nearly broke, and he was left paralyzed.
His return to the tracks
His condition may have prevented him from returning to the tracks. But his spirit and love for the sport never left.
On 7 April 2019, Ronnie finally returned to the tracks, more determined than ever!
Ronnie uploaded a touching and inspiring video on Twitter documenting him walking around the track with the help of a walker.
I’ve dreamed of the day when I would be finally strong enough to go around a track ❤️🚶🏽♂️ pic.twitter.com/2E1MKfObFY
— Tre🌹💔 (@FlawsyTre) April 7, 2019
It was a momentous return for him. “I’ve dreamed of the day when I would be finally strong enough to go around a track,” he shared.
He finally did it—it was his first time back since his accident.
“This was my first time putting my feet on the track again,” he told The Post.
Ronnie had no idea his inspiring video would go viral—he just wanted to update his followers!
“It was such a relief. I was just trying to show people that it’s time I get back to the track. I didn’t really think [the video] would get as big as it did,” he said.
After the accident
After the accident, Ronnie wasn’t in a good place emotionally.
“I was in the hospital for about four weeks, and I don’t remember anything. I had only flashes of seeing people. When I woke up, I was in a bad place mentally. I couldn’t move my legs, and I was having suicidal thoughts,” he told The Post.
But his thinking changed after he moved to Shepherd Centre in Atlanta for his treatment.
“On the third day I was there, I was going around and you see some people can’t move their arms. You just realized you are blessed with another chance.”
Thankfully, Ronnie has made speedy recovery from his intensive therapy sessions. Although he relies on his wheelchair, he is now able to stand and walk with the help of a walker.
Even if I lose my courage took the win ❤️ #TreForMrSophomore pic.twitter.com/9QXU9pyTEY
— Tre🌹💔 (@FlawsyTre) February 28, 2019
Charity – Rolling Hope
Ronnie is currently studying at Fort Valley State University in Georgia, where he studies pre-education and special education.
He even started an inspiring non-profit foundation – Rolling Hope, which sells T-Shirts that read, “I want to inspire people. I want someone to look at me and say: ‘Because of you, I didn’t give up.’”
“The money I raise through my “Rolling Hope” brand will be used to further research in spinal cord injuries so that one day the world will equally treat humans no matter of their circumstances.
“God created everyone equally so with Rolling Hope the big picture is equality,” Ronnie wrote on the charity’s Facebook page.
Ronnie is so determined to recover, it’s inspiring.
“I actually want to do one lap a week. Then, when I get stronger, I want to build to two. And finally kick the walker to the side,” he said.
Ronnie’s determination and kind-heartedness have inspired us. We wish Ronnie all the best with his foundation and we hope he recovers soon.
Credit: The New York Post
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