My name is Ricky.



[At the time of writing this, Jan. 4, 2014] I am 23 (almost 24), and I was born with a disability called Spina Bifida. Now, I am the LAST person to ever focus on my disability, however, you’ll understand why I am writing all of this, in a bit.



I may have a Disability, but I am in no way “disabled.”



I can still walk.. I just.. walk differently (with crutches)..











Growing up had its fair share of struggles, constant surgeries (30 by the time I was 18 years old), to fix numerous things, being teased growing up, learning my limitations.. all the things I couldn’t do.









But, then I learned to focus on the positives!









The fact of the matter was I AM JUST LIKE EVERYONE ELSE.









I rode bikes…

Eventually upgrading to something cooler..





I Ski…







I even played soccer…





As the years went on, I started to come into my own.. do my own thing.



I learned to play guitar



Won an Essay Contest as one of 6 Junior Athletes to go to Greece to see the Opening Ceremonies and 3 days of events of the 2004 Paralympics.



And most recently [2015] I WENT SKYDIVING!





I’ve done some modeling/photoshoots



and even some acting…



Lots of acting…



Lots and lots of acting..





And most recently, I’ve been working at a Haunted House called “FEAR FACTORY,” acting and scaring the hell out of people.





“WHAT ELSE DO I DO FOR FUN?” you may ask…



Well, I still ski and bike..



I write, direct, and act in my own short films for my YouTube channel. And all the cliche stuff (hang with friends, go to movies, etc.).. but one of my favorite things to do is go to concerts…. A LOT of concerts..





I may have crutches, but I STILL mosh, I still dance and, I still crowd surf.





Why? BECAUSE I WANT TO!



It’s fun.. and I see no reason not to.



I get a lot of looks from people at shows. Some looks of confusion, others.. looks of concern for my safety.. but my favorite?



Looks of admiration..



People smiling at me.. as if what I am doing is inspirational or unique. I will crowd surf, and instantly when I am back on the ground, I am greeted with “HELL YEAH!!” “FUCK YEAH!!” “DUDE!! THAT WAS AWESOME!” and lots of high fives. Do I look for this kind of attention? OF COURSE NOT. Do I like it? *shrugs* I see what I do at concerts no different than any able bodied person. But hey, if it makes them happy, then great!



I’ve also been on the news a few times..



(Yes, that is Ben Hansen from FACT or FAKED)









I’ve done A LOT of traveling, and met a lot of awesome people..





TOM GREEN





Director: RICHARD DUTCHER





Paralympic Athlete: Chris Waddell





SUMMER SANDERS (Host of Nickelodeons Figure It Out)





The Used





KIMBERLY (Of One-Eyed Doll)

*I should note, I’m wearing a custom contact lens..







CYN ELECTRIC (Of Noise of Rumors)





TORY BELLECI (Of MYTHBUSTERS)

THE SPINE (Of Steam Powered Giraffe)





OTEP SHAMAYA (of OTEP)

You get the idea..



Hell, I’m even a two-time World Record Holder..



For The Worlds Largest Game of NINJA!!!

(ignore the make-up it was for a collaboration with Freaky The Scary Snowman)



Now.. by now, you’re probably wonder, “What the hell is the point of all of this?”



The point is… I have a disability, but I am NOT at a disadvantage in life.

“I may hate my situation sometimes…. hate that God or whatever sentient being gave me this curse of crutches… But because of them.. I have met the people I have, done the things I have, gone through so many trials and struggles.. All of those things, have shaped me into the man I am today. The caring, understanding, compassionate person I would never have known, had I not been given this challenge in my life. I may hate it at times, I may wish things were different from time to time, but when it really comes down to it? I would not change a single thing.” - me [Aug. 2012]