Local Paralympian shares life journey on speaking tour

Brent Poppen has authored two books

– Paso Robles resident Brent Poppen has shared his experience as a Paralympian through speaking engagements to various schools and universities around the world; his work through H.U.G.S. by Brent aims at inspiring students that every dream is possible to achieve.

“Hopefully my journey will encourage and inspire others to never give up on their dream. I want my life story to positively affect people with and without a disability, for it is the power of ‘believing’ in others that creates an environment where anything is possible,” said Poppen, who was 16 years old in 1990 when a wrestling accident led to a spinal cord injury at cervical level five, six and seven, causing quadriplegia.

Poppen describes the time after the accident as “recall[ing] times when I found myself at a crossroad of choosing to be angry at the world for what happened to me, or choosing not to be afraid of pursuing my dreams. Now I am happy to say that I chose to dream and not be afraid to fail.”

Poppen was active in multiple sports growing up, such football, and he has continued his passion for athletics. He won a bronze medal in the Athens 2004 Paralympic Games on the USA Wheelchair Rugby Team and competed at the Beijing 2008 Paralympic Games as part of the USA Wheelchair Tennis Team, Quad Open Division. In addition, Poppen has won a silver medal in the 2003 Wheelchair Rugby World Games, placed as doubles champion in the 2007 Japan Open Tennis Championships, won multiple championships at the National Quad Rugby, and more.

As Poppen began preparation to compete in wheelchair rugby for the London 2012 Paralympic Games, he was hospitalized with a blood infection that resulted in him spending over a month in ICU, surgery, and hospital bed rest for seven months. Poppen notes that “the story of my near death experience came from an illness that took me almost one year to recover. Being fully recovered and restored, I knew it was time to stop and put my life story in print.” Poppen’s two books are “Tragedy on the Mountain: A Quadriplegic’s Journey from Paralysis to Paralympics” and “Playground Lessons – Friendship and Forgiveness: Harley and his Wheelchair”.

Poppen does speaking engagements internationally through H.U.G.S by Brent, which stands for “Helping Us Give Strength”.

“[Poppen] brings unique tangible learning experiences to his school [and] book speaking programs. He allows all students to experience his Olympic medal, by holding, wearing and taking pictures with it. This allows students to ‘feel’ what making dreams come true is all about…He also brings his sport wheelchairs and allows the students to experience them. For many, these are ‘once in a lifetime’ opportunities that leave a lasting impact,” reads Poppen’s website.

Poppen received his associate’s degree and bachelor’s degree in social science, along with an emergency teaching credential. He met his wife, Erica, while in college. They previously lived in Long Beach and currently live in Paso Robles; they enjoy the Paso Robles wine and food scene, with a favorite wine of Thibido Wine.

He has worked as a rehabilitation counselor at the Valley Children’s Hospital in Madera for 13 years, which is a 250 mile round trip journey that Poppen describes as “[getting] to be the support me and my family needed, but didn’t have, when I was paralyzed.” He also is an instructor for water skiing, has worked at the Boys School correctional facility in Paso Robles, a substitute teacher, and designs adaptive surfboards. He works out regularly at Kennedy Club Fitness in Paso Robles.

“I would like [the] community to know I am always available for keynote and motivational speaking opportunities. The community knows I will always support families that are going through difficult life experiences. I am always open to new connections and opportunities,” Poppen said.

For more information, visit Poppen’s website here.