Softball benefit to help Wheeler in 'next chapter'
Nathan Wheeler is living proof of how life can change in a heartbeat.
He also is living proof of how the human spirit can make even the darkest of situations have a silver lining, and above all Wheeler’s story is a shining example of how the love of family can overcome great odds.
This past Nov. 15, Wheeler was enjoying one of his passions, deer hunting, when his tree stand broke and came crashing down. In the process Wheeler suffered several critical injuries including breaking his back in three different places, leaving him paralyzed mostly from the waist down. His wife Meggan and the family have had to make many changes to the household and to their lifestyle to make it wheelchair accessible. Along with that has come many medical expenses and a wheelchair-accessible vehicle.
It has not been an easy time, but Wheeler’s love for life, for his family and to serve as an inspiration to all he meets continues to carry him and those close to him through this time.
To help the family navigate their way through this difficult time both financially and emotionally, there will be a softball benefit on Saturday, July 6 at Killbuck Park.
This benefit includes plenty of softball action, a silent auction, plenty of food including a benefit lunch and a whole lot of fellowship. Softball games will begin at 8 a.m.
Numerous businesses have already donated items for the silent auction, and the family continues to accept donations of all kinds. The menu of hot dogs, sloppy Joes, baked beans, macaroni salad, desserts, drinks and more will all be available by donation.
“The family and our friends have been a huge help in getting everything ready to go,” Wheeler said. “It should be a fun and exciting day.”
Wheeler, a corrections officer for nine years in London, Ohio before transferring to Mansfield, was active, enjoying sports like baseball and hunting. He continues to be open in sharing his story and wants to be an inspiration to others who are facing life challenges, whether it is being similarly paralyzed or any type of challenge.
“I’m paralyzed from the waist down, but I know I can make a positive impact in life,” Wheeler said. “I’m doing OK. I’m alive. I get to see my kid (Camden, 6) grow up. I have this incredible, loving family, and I’m blessed in a lot of ways. I still have so much to be thankful for, and it won’t help to feel sorry for myself. There’s a lot of good I can do that can help others struggling in life.”
Brian Spencer, Wheeler’s father-in-law, has already been inspired by Wheeler’s attitude and zeal for life, noting he has embraced every challenge including rehab, where Wheeler became a favorite of the staff because of his positive attitude.
“I’ve never asked God why me, why do I have to deal with this,” Wheeler said. “God will give me the strength to do whatever comes my way, and this is simply the next chapter of my life. I want to give others hope by being an encouragement. It’s one small mountain at a time.”
He also said he hopes to take a starring role in promoting hunter safety, helping prevent these types of disasters in the future.
“I never thought I’d fall from a tree,” Wheeler said. “But it happened, and it can happen to anyone. Hunter safety is something that I am passionate about because I want to help others be mindful of what could happen. People need to realize that in a split second your whole life can get flipped upside down.”
While life can change in a heartbeat, circumstances don’t determine who you are. Wheeler’s spirit and attitude are living proof of that.
Anyone wishing to donate an item to the silent auction may do so by calling Kaleb Spencer at 330-231-9943. To enter a team in the softball tournament, call Curtis Yoder at 330-473-8108. For general information or to donate financially if you can’t attend, call Brian Spencer at 330-231-9940.
