William is a native Californian who was born in Los Angeles in January, 1961. In 1991, after serving and being honorably discharged from the Armed Forces, getting married and fathering a son. William sustained a gunshot wound to the head. Brain surgery was a given, but no one expected the stroke that occurred during the procedure. William's life expired for 11 minutes, and although he lost the use of half his body, he gained an extraordinary ability: the ability to use words to fuel hearts with the strength of joy and charge minds with the power of wisdom. Fortunately, movement was restored to his right leg. He also delightfully shocked medical personnel, family, and friends by fathering a miracle daughter. This is what motivated William to remove the "quit option" from his life, moving forward. William now dedicates his time inspiring others that they, too, can overcome the gravitational pull of challenges that hold them down.