ABOUT GARRET

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On April 24, 1987, I was in a motorcycle accident leaving me with a C4-C5 spinal cord injury, quadriplegic and ventilator dependent.  I was just shy of my 5th birthday. Although I do not remember anything about the accident or that day, my family told me exactly what had happened. A whole new life was upon me. I had to re-learn, re-discover and re-make me into the person I am today. I am eager to do my best every day. I am the co-author of "As I Am" and the illustrator of "Benny and the Butterfly".  I am optimistic in looking forward to tomorrow and the days that lie ahead.  I will admit there are difficult times in life, but I look for the next challenge to tackle. Mental aptitude, will power and the many blessings over the years including family, friends and loved ones, are what make me get out of bed every day. There are many unfortunate circumstances in life that come upon us.  For me, it is how to overcome the rollercoaster ride that many of us have a difficult time with.  It is all within ourselves to know our strengths. My dreams and goals are to help others in any possible way I can. Even being one man, one person, I can make a difference. It has a lot to do with what you believe you can do. Focus on what is most important.  Remember the good times and memories in your life.  Focus on yourself and know you have the power to help others. Focus on others and you could potentially gain more knowledge about yourself. Your attitude can set your day.  Being kind to yourself can impact how you treat others.  For me, it has taken many years of listening to and learning from others.  My hope is that I can impact others in a positive way by telling my story.  It is about never giving up. We all need to have the attitude and drive to live our lives to the fullest. We are all capable of overcoming obstacles...one second, one minute, one hour, one day at a time.

BREATHE. BE YOURSELF. BE HUMBLE.

Thank you for visiting my website. This will give you a better understanding of me as a person with great abilities.       
                      

• Co-Author of "AS I AM". A true story of Adaptation to Physical Disability
• Illustrator of "BENNY AND THE BUTTERFLY".  A true story about feeling different.
• The United States Supreme Court:  The Cedar Rapids Community School District  vs. Garret Frey Case No. 96-1993 cited in "AS I AM" autobiography.
• Office of Civil Rights & Department of Justice Case: Olmstead Act v L.C., E.W., 527 U.S. 581 (1999) to June 22nd, 2024 - Garret Frey will receive care based upon needs and will receive the following in Iowa with Iowa HHS, & within the Iowa Medicaid waiver program, and through his Managed Care Organization (MCO) Privatized Medical Insurance Company  
• Raising the provider reimbursement rate;
• Allowing for respite services (short term coverage for primary caregivers);
• Expanding the provider base to enable a sufficient array of providers; and
• Securing necessary providers for overnight and nursing services.

I am a forty-two year-old ventilator-dependent quadriplegic male.  I was paralyzed in an accident just prior to my 5th birthday. Through the years since the accident, I have learned to cope with my disability and to live a happy and enriched life.  I continually draw strength and encouragement from my family and network of devoted friends.  I have adopted the motivation to live through a highly positive mind orientation.  I dwell on what is available to me rather than on what has been lost.  I am a very optimistic young man who has personal hopes and dreams for the future.  My motto is, "to live each and every day to the fullest and to never give up." I live with my mother, Charlene, in our home in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.  I am currently working on many different projects. I try to achieve my goals whether it is public speaking or making a difference one person at a time.  Although my mother is my primary caregiver, my caregivers and friends continue to provide my essential care and services.

Life's enjoyments include traveling, soaking up the warm sunshine and being with family and friends.  I stay busy with various computer projects as well as speaking in many different settings.  I want to share with those who are interested in the quality of life available to folks with disabilities like mine. I am sure you are wondering if I will be writing another book. The answer is, "Yes! I am in the process!" No release dates as of now, but I will update you on my website when the time comes.