Phil Southerland
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At the Tour of California Bicycle race, Stage 1, in Davis, CA. I was there to take photo's. I wanted to get a few riders 'up close and personal' so I clicked a few riders as they came in their team cars for the race. Phil Southerland is pictured above. I had know idea who he was until I saw him on TV. I am sure all of the riders have incredible stories but read on, this kid is truly a mover and shaker.
When he was seven months old, he came down with what doctors first diagnosed as a routine case of baby flu. But after losing more than half of his body weight to the illness, his mother, Joanna, suspected something far more serious was wrong.
Violently ill and with perhaps only days to live, doctors diagnosed Southerland with juvenile diabetes. They told his mother that the condition would likely cost him his eyesight by the time he was 20.
Those doctors should see him now.
Only 26 years old, Southerland already counts among his achievements the founding of Team Type 1 – the world’s first professional cycling team dedicated to raising awareness for Type 1 diabetes – and a pair of victories for the team in the Race Across America (RAAM). His accomplishments and desire to help others with diabetes have led to dozens of national engagements as a motivational speaker.
Read Phil's blog and daily journal of the race at www.philsoutherland.com
Posted by: Rootsap | permalink
Comment
Gallery: ARCHIVE
Tags: bicycle, sports
Name:: Roger
Thursday, Feb 19, 2009 - 06:01AM
nice capture
Name:: don
Thursday, Feb 19, 2009 - 08:01AM
A fine image of this notable fellow who has succeeded despite all! A touching story and one to encourage everyone to do, be and make the most of life.
Name:: Neanners
Thursday, Feb 19, 2009 - 08:01AM
Brilliant!
Name:: klaproos
Friday, Feb 20, 2009 - 07:14AM
what a great achievement pieter
big hug for this guy
xxx
big hug for this guy
xxx
Name:: EYES WIDE SHUT
Friday, Feb 20, 2009 - 07:25AM
Amazing how he defied the odds, a very inspirational story, and a great post today. Many thanks
Name:: Sidney
Saturday, Feb 21, 2009 - 02:38AM
We need more people like Phil Southerland!
Nice you were able to meet those great cyclists.
Nice you were able to meet those great cyclists.
Name:: klaproos
Wednesday, Feb 25, 2009 - 10:53PM
there was a movie long time ago about a boy and his bike,
this guy looks like him
this guy looks like him
