In life’s journey, we are sometimes blessed to know someone that makes us a better person; Eric Lock was that special friend/ football teammate in my own life. I am a better son and brother, a better husband and father, and a better physician and surgeon for the times I shared with Eric. His spirit, determination and childlike enthusiasm continues in the lives of those he touched. - Enrico Stazzone, M.D. Orthopaedic Surgeon & Sports Medicine Before our son Eric’s catastrophic wrestling accident on December 11, 1980, the Lock’s were an average family who lived in Glendale, Arizona. Vern taught Industrial Arts, and had even built our family home. In the summers, Eric and Vern cut down trees and were building a three-story log cabin in the cool mountains. My name is Jo, and I was proud to be the mother of our ordinary family. At the time, I was teaching at elementary schools. Eric was fifteen years old, Julie was twelve, and both teenagers were doing well in school and participating in extra-curricular activities. We were active members of our church, and we were blessed. All of this changed just thirty-three seconds into Eric’s first high school wrestling match. Our once active son was immediately paralyzed, unable to speak, move, or even breathe on his own. Vern immediately rushed from the bleachers toward our unmoving son. At that time, paramedics did not attend wrestling matches, so Vern frantically shouted into the crowd for a doctor. Miraculously, there was a neonatal respiratory doctor present who was attending his son’s wrestling match. Dr. Daley instantly came forward, and after a quick medical assessment, immediately called the paramedics and Eric was helicoptered to the hospital. His quick action saved Eric’s life. However, our battles were just beginning. This book is full of the stories of our trials and tribulations, the people who helped us and those who stood in our way, and the excitement and heartbreak of the 29 years is detailed in these pages. I hope that these stories will inspire you, move you, and encourage you to never, ever give up.
