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TOPICS: POTENTIAL - TEAM BUILDING - PERSEVERANCE - GROWTH MINDSET - STEM - SEL - ACCEPTANCE - AUTHOR - PARALYMPICS - ETC

Brent was paralyzed at 16yrs old, with a spinal-cord injury (quadriplegic)

This is the speaking / school program part of www.booksbybrent.com. Brent presents to schools, with assembly and classroom programs. He also presents as keynote speaker to a variety of organizations. His unique story of triumph through tragedy allows him to connect with his audience through perseverance. His presentations discuss antibullying, believing you can accomplish your dreams, and that "you" can overcome adversity. Brent shares all this and much more in his emotional story. Unless you have closed your eyes and thought you may not wake up in the morning, let Brent with his books and presentations inspire. His life represents "the hardest things you have to work for will mean the most!"

**“It’s not about how many times you get knocked down …. It’s about how many times you get back up”**

“Thank you Brent. Today you turned my life around and changed it forever. I cannot wait to read your books. Thanks for making time to come to our school.”

— 5th grader at inner city school in Bakersfield

Creating Moments That Change Lives, Through Real Life Experiences: "Believing That One Book, One Story, One Student, One Program, One Hug Makes A Difference."

CLICK - Glimpse into my impact at Valley Children’s Hospital as part of our awesome rehabilitation team

Tragedy on The Mountain: A Quadriplegic's Journey From Paralysis To Paralympics

By Brent Poppen

Buy on Amazon

Playground Lessons-Friendship and Forgiveness: Harley and His Wheelchair

By Brent Poppen

Buy on Amazon

“There is something special about having the ability to capture the minds and hearts in a short amount of time. You have a gift and thank you for sharing it with our students at Arroyo Elementary School”

— Mom of two students

Guest at White House reading my children’s acceptance book with our 2ND LADY - Mrs. Vance. Thank you. Click image below for podcast reading.

Brent was paralyzed in a wrestling accident at 16yrs old (as a quadriplegic). He has continued to dream and work hard to make them a reality. His "real" tragedies create an emotional space, where audiencies are brought into his experiences. They feel his pain, joy, tragedies and triumphs.

The quote below came about as Erin and I exchanged books at a school program. She was the keynote speaker and I ran the children's book pullout group.

“Brent, continue to give a voice to the voiceless”

— Freedom Writer's Erin Gruwell

Creating acceptance and awareness with literacy

Brent brings unique tangible learning experiences to his speaking programs. He allows audiences to experience his Olympic medal, in person. This allows them to "feel" what making dreams come true is all about. He also brings his Olympic sport wheelchairs for the people to experience, by sitting and pushing them. For many these are "once in a life time" opportunities, that leave a lasting impact.

Instagram: #Booksbybrent - Twitter/X: @hugsbybrent - Facebook: Brent Poppen

Most don’t know after my spinal cord injury at 16yrs old (C6/7 quadriplegic) I went from a 33 inch waist to a 52 inch waist within 2yrs after discharge. My rock bottom was when the lady at clothing store told me see had to get the big measuring tape, then read off 52 inches. I then found Chris White to train with after many sessions with other trainers who I didn’t connect with. We had Very early training sessions, just because it was difficult. I didn’t want the easy way and he was committed. Then more commitment to wheelchair rugby and tennis … the rest is Paralympic history and documented in my autobiography, Tragedy on The Mountain: From Paralysis to Paralympics.” Could not have done it alone! Still pushing limits for the kids coming behind our disability path. Thanks to everyone who has and are still part of the journey. We are not done yet!!! #805author #fitness #rehab #paralympics #surfing nodaysoff @vescometalcraft

Last campus presentation went down in the LBC at Carver. 2 awesome days with 5th graders. So many inspiring and emotional moments. Loved it all. Talked literacy, stem, growth mindset and art. #805author #stem #nodaysoff #read @vescometalcraft @longbeachusd

Thank you valley children’s hospital media for believing my story was worth documenting and putting all the work in, that you both did (Brandon & Phil). I’m sure others assisted too. Our rehab team is a family. Thankful to be a part of it. #805author #rehab @vescometalcraft @valleychildrens

Sharing my life story of overcoming adversity to make a difference in our world. Two sport Paralympian, two book author, children’s hospital counselor, adaptive surfer, university graduate and more. #805author #read #stem #noexcuses @vescometalcraft

Speaking at Carver campus in LBUSD. Inspiring a love for literacy, kindness, perseverance etc. Thank you students, staff and PTA. See you soon with your signed books. #805author #lbusd #read #stem #growthmindset @vescometalcraft

My two books were signed for students and handed to them by me, their author. We also discussed STEM using my baseball throwing prosthetic. As a quadriplegic my hands are not able to hold and throw a baseball without my custom engineered prosthetic. #805author #reading #books #stem #sci

Ingredients: Bag of Doritos (any flavor). Shredded cheese. Cup diced onions. Small can green chilies. 2 can cream chicken. 1 can cream mushroom. I can chicken broth. 1/2 a chicken shredded (or fresh pre shredded chicken - see video). Mix everything expect chicken & Doritos. Add salt, pepper & favorite all purpose seasoning (we use Santa Maria Rub). In 9X11 cassarole add Doritos then layer of chicken. Then 1/2 the mix. Top with cheese. Repeat a 2nd layer exactly the same. Preheat oven to 350. Bake for 45 minutes. Let rest 15 min (important). If you like crank over up to burn cheese for texture, but not necessary. Paired with Anarchy Superfly red blend. Enjoy. #805author #cookingwithaquadriplegic #doritostriangletryout @Doritos #cassarole @vescometalcraft @anarchywineco @christiantg

Tonight was our final clinic until early 2027. No amount of thank you’s would be enough for all the coaches (Denise, Pang, Sophia, Sandy). Lots of love for Fresno State Women’s Tennis for hosting & our adaptive sports team at Valley Children’s. It takes a village & we got one!!! Thx to kids and parents for traveling & trusting us. All the adaptive athletes improved so much!!! We all are better for Monday nights:) #805author #wheelchairtennis @Valley Children’s Healthcare #allmidsmatter @fswctennis @valleychildrensadaptivesports @vescometalcraft @fresnostateathletics

Stoked to pick up 3D printed wheelchairs that are going to our rehabilitation program at Valley Children’s Hospital. Thank you Sean Brady and Abilitease for 3D printing these. Awesome to give kids mobility, that are going through life changing injuries or illnesses. It’s a reminder that every day is a gift. #805author #AllKidsMatter #nodaysoffnoexcuses #rehabilitation @vescometalcraft

Love having my nephew sharing a poker table with. Last year I was #2. This year 14th. Need to make #8 for final table. Was a fun day raising money for disadvantaged kids in Long Beach. #805author #police @vescometalcraft #firstresponders

3 more #bcsd campuses after a surprise presentation from their author this evening. Every student getting a free signed copy of my autobiography & watching my short award winning documentary (not created by me). Will be an emotional evening. #805author #read #booksmatter #allstudentsmatter @vescometalcraft

I carry & sign 50 of my books at a time. Home for just a few hours to box up and hit the road. Some great events coming soon. TV? Miami? Surprising students tomorrow. Love seeing students inspired to read, especially when their author is there with them. #805author #read #allstudentsmatter#bcsd @vescometalcraft

100 degrees outside and our wheelchair tennis athletes show up to Fresno State tennis complex. Thx to FSU head coach Denise for allowing and supporting our Valley Children’s Hospital Adaptive Sports program. Coach Sandy, coach Pang & the volunteers that make it possible. Love seeing our kids get better each week.#805author #AllKidsMatter #tennis #wheelchairtennis Vesco Wheelchairs Fresno State Athletics @fswctennis @valleychildrensadaptivesports

After multiple days speaking on campus students created art that represents my life and inspiration to them. #805author #art #AllStudentsMatter

We are exceptionally proud of our disabled athletes who are excelling in wheelchair tennis opportunities. Joseph and Kylie have achieved significant milestones. Our Valley Children’s Hospital Adaptive Sports and Fresno State Athletics women’s tennis team is grateful to be part of their journey. #805author @valleychildrensadaptivesports @fresnostatetennis #wheelchairtennis @fswctennis @vescometalcraft @ranbow_gils

Another amazing night with inspired coaches and rad kids learning wheelchair tennis. Much more than tennis being taught. #805author #tennis @vescometalcraft

#cookingwithaquadriplegic “chocolate gravy with homemade biscuits. A kiddo’s family our rehab team is taking care of shared their family favorite generational passed down recipe. Was delicious. My family will tweak it next time & add peanut butter before smothering in chocolate gravy. Thank you Mrs. Lilly for sharing. #805author #chocolate #brunch

This rad 4th grade girl chose me as her CA hero. She had to research me, find a wheelchair, dress like me and tell my story when an audience member walked up & pressed the button. She did not know I traveled to surprise her last night at the event. Her smile and appreciation was worth the trip. I listened to her tell my story wearing my Olympic medal I brought for her. There were a lot on impressive CA hero’s to pick. Very humbling to be chosen. Thank you! Albie & family. #805author @newportmesausd @newportelpta @vescometalcraft

Day 1 was awesome. Signed books for studegts & their families. Thank you #bcsd sponsor for making free books possible for students & families. Students wearing my Olympic medal. Night 1 at Pookies where k signed more books for tomorrow. Thank you. #booksmatter #805author #read Vesco Wheelchairs

Brent understands that moments of inspiration and motivation can be life changing.