Name: Eric Bermudez
Age: I'm 52 years young!
Where do you call home? The Garlic capitol... Gilroy, California
Education (degree(s): At a small community college here in Gilroy, I majored in business & due to the progression of my FA I graduated early with a certificate of completion in micro-computer applications. I not only consider myself a 'computer geek' now, BUT I can use all the skills I learned to be financially free in my own home-based business.
What is your relationship status? Do you have children? I've been the 'D' word & single for the past 28 years or so. I will marry the woman of my dreams 1 day!?!?! I do have one beautiful daughter who helps take care of me & has blessed me with 2 fun filled grand babies.
How long have you known you are living with FA? (When and how were you diagnosed?) My Mom said she noticed me tripping over my own feet & being clumsy like spilling my drink grabbing for it at the dinner table around age 5. There was plenty of confusion cause the blood test to confirm the FA diagnosis was not available yet. I think I finally got diagnosed around 14-16 years old.
Describe your transition from walking to walker/wheelchair. I had to wear a medical alert bracelet stating my disability so I didn't get harass by the police for drunk in public when I was younger & walking. Now I've been in a manual wheelchair some 29 years.
What do you like to do to stay active and what type of exercises work for you to stay strong? I go to the gym twice a week, BUT I have trapeze bars all over my house & 1 of my favorite strength exercise is daily; 30-60 pull-ups in bed!! Lol
When FA gets you down, what do you think/do to feel better? I think of those worse off than me. Talking to God & telling Him how thankful I am.
What is one way living with FA has POSITIVELY affected your life? How to be patient!
What is a favorite motivational quote of yours? Life is tough, BUT Life is good.
What is the best advice YOU could give to a person who has been newly diagnosed with FA? Stay strong, exercise regularly and eat healthy.
What is the first thing you want to do when a cure/treatment to FA is found? I'm in the natural health field so I'd look into it/research...
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