Former Pro Golfer Achieves Success after Crash Changes His Life

Ft. Walton Beach, FL (PRWEB) June 20, 2014

At 24 years old, Nate Quillen was at the top of his game. He was a pro golfer with nothing standing in his way.

One night the unthinkable happened. His vehicle crashed, leaving him with a major spinal cord injury. Doctors said hed never walk again. When I had that injury, it was so devastating, Nate said. When they said, youll never be able to walk again, I couldnt accept that. Ive always been independent and wanted to do more.

After just three months of physical therapy, Nate was proving his doctors wrong, I cant say I looked graceful walking around, you know, but I was walking. Even with this accomplishment, it was clear to Nate that his years of golfing professionally were over. He turned to Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) for help. I was given three choices after taking a test (at VR); I could be a toll booth operator, an insurance adjuster, or I could go back to school, Nate said. For me it wasnt a choice. I went ahead and enrolled in school. VR provided my tuition and books, and gave me a gasoline allowance.

Nate pursued a degree in biology, with aspirations of becoming a doctor. After earning his bachelors degree, he applied to medical school but didnt get accepted. Nate headed back to VR for a second helping of guidance. His counselor in Ft. Walton Beach, Diane Jackson, helped him come up with a new plan. Diane said, we dont usually send people to grad school, but with your academic performance, wed like to try to give you the opportunity, Nate said.

With VRs support, Nate applied and was accepted to Marshall University in West Virginia. He was 1 of 12 students accepted into the masters program for forensic sciences. While at the university, Nate worked with the West Virginia State Polices digital forensics unit where he helped the unit crack down on people exploiting children. In 2010, Nate earned his degree.

Within a year, he was gainfully employed with Premiere Tox in Kentucky as a toxicology analyst. Nate is wonderful. You wont find a better team player, his manager, Kristi Swearengin, said. He always comes to work with a smile on his face and is just a pleasure to work with.

Then in July 2010, Nate had another stroke of bad luck testicular cancer. Doctors quickly performed surgery and started him on radiation treatments. Nate faced cancer with the same positive attitude he did paralysis; he knew he could overcome this obstacle. He endured treatment for five months before doctors celebrated his success. There were so many roadblocks, but here I am, defying the odds, Nate said.

Nate is still working with Premiere Tox, where he recently was promoted to team leader. His supervisors know hes an asset to their company. When you see Nate walk into a room, you know he has some physical limitations, Kristi said. But when you talk with him, you realize he hasnt lost anything. Employers should think about that and see where they can fit in. Weve found a place for him, and he is excelling.

Nate attributes his success in the work place to VRs continued support. If VR hadnt been there for me, I wouldnt be here now. I dont know where Id be without that program. Id probably be lost. I had a void, and Im fortunate VR helped me fill it.

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Former Pro Golfer Achieves Success after Crash Changes His Life