Letter: 'Make the best of what you have'

At the age of 36 and local truck sales manager, I was diagnosed with a malignant tumor on my spinal cord that was inoperable and incurable. The doctors had given me about six months to live. The biopsy paralyzed me from the shoulders down and left me in a wheelchair for 18 months. I went to physical therapy five days a week and was able to get rid of the wheelchair.

In May 2006, I was hired by Comcast as a door-to-door sales representative. Last night, at an awards celebration in Sacramento, I was awarded Salesman of the Year for 2009 in the North Valley.

I want to share this story to inspire others to never give up on life. When things get bad, you look to be a problem-solver and make the best of what you have.

Michael McKinney
Marysville