Staying Strong: Fuel TV’s “Firsthand” to Feature Paralyzed BMX Athlete Stephen Murray – Sept. 5
It was a horrific fall that changed his life in a mere second.
Oakley BMX athlete Stephen Murray charged the course at the 2008 AST Dew Tour BMX Finals in Maryland, attempting to land a double backflip. But it all went wrong. During his second rotation, he fell to the earth in what has been called “the worst crash ever seen” in the history of the sport.
Friends, family and fans alike gasped at what they had witnessed.
In the hospital hours later, the doctor confirmed what many had been certain of at the moment of the incident. Following second hours of surgery, it was clear that Stephen sustained damage to his spinal cord – shattering the front of his vertebrae. The result: He became paralyzed from the shoulders down.
Since then, the action sports community rallied for Stephen, creating Stay Strong’s First Annual Dirt Jump contest, aiming to raise money to support Stephen and other paralyzed athletes. And Oakley, taking care of its own family/rider, created the Stephen Murray Signature Series Hijinx sunglasses – with $20 of each sale going to his recovery effort. Overall, industry support continues.
FUEL TV, recognizing Stephen’s incredible resilience and strength in overcoming the tragic incident, dedicated one of their signature “Firsthand” programs to Stephen…allowing its audience to witness the struggle in going from a X Games Gold Medalist to being confined in a wheelchair. Even more important, the program allows everyone to witness the power of the human spirit in overcoming adversity as difficult as Stephen’s.
Be sure to check out his touching and inspirational “Firsthand” this Sunday, Sept. 5 at 8:00 p.m. Eastern/Pacific. And be sure to consider purchasing a pair of Stephen’s Hijinx sunglasses (link to the right) to help us continue to support him through this tough period.
Here’s all the info straight from FUEL TV:
“Firsthand: Stephen Murray”
Sunday, September 5, 2010, 8:00pm ET/PT
Pro to Paraplegic, See Stephen Murray’s New Life In This Heartfelt and Inspirational Episode of “Firsthand”
Airing Sunday, September 5, at 8:00pm Eastern Time (5:00pm Pacific Time), and re-airing several more times during the next month, BMX pro Stephen Murray stars in FUEL TV’s signature 30-minute series “Firsthand.”
In this heartfelt “Firsthand,” we look at X Games Gold Medalist Stephen Murray’s life after the crash that left him paralyzed from the shoulders down.
We start off with a look at STAY STRONG’S First Annual Dirt Jump Contest, a contest held to support Stephen and other paralyzed athletes. Next, we dive into Stephen’s personal life, and learn what it’s like to go from a BMX pro to being confined to a wheel chair. We meet Stephen’s caregiver, girlfriend, and kids; and see what keeps this guy going with such a positive attitude. We watch family interaction at home, as Stephen encourages his son to ride dirt tracks. Then, we follow Stephen as he donates his old handicapped van to a family whose son is also confined to a wheelchair and needs proper transportation.
Next, we check out Stephen’s rehabilitation schedule and see the mental determination and devotion it takes for someone to overcome the challenges of paralysis. With all that has happened, Stephen still has an incredibly positive perspective on life.
Stephen Murray’s sponsors include: Oakley and Rockstar.
You can watch Stephen Murray’s episode of “Firsthand” on www.fuel.tv <http://www.fuel.tv/> and www.hulu.com <http://www.hulu.com/> several weeks after it airs on FUEL TV. It will also be available to download from iTunes for $1.99.
“Stephen Murray Firsthand” Air Dates:
Sunday – 9/5/2010 8:00 PM ET / 5:00 PM PT
Sunday – 9/5/2010 11:00 PM ET / 8:00 PM PT
Monday – 9/06/2010 10:00 PM ET / 7:00 PM PT
Monday – 9/06/2010 1:00 AM ET / 10:00 PM PT
Tuesday – 9/07/2010 9:30 PM ET / 6:30 PM PT
Wednesday – 9/08/2010 8:00 PM ET / 5:00 PM PT
Wednesday – 9/08/2010 11:00 PM ET / 8:00 PM PT
Wednesday – 9/08/2010 12:30 AM ET / 9:30 PM PT
Saturday – 9/11/2010 1:30 PM ET / 10:30 AM PT
Wednesday – 9/22/2010 11:00 PM ET / 8:00 PM PT
Friday – 12/10/2010 8:30 AM ET / 5:30 AM PT
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