My Story | Paralyzed to Independence

[@johnbeever3215]

What a charming, articulate young man, you are an absolute credit to yourself and your lovely family.

[@luisguillermo]

Thank you.

[@DanielRodriguez-bb5gk]

I’m a C6, also went to shepherd. Had the same doctor and assume you’re talking about Talbot as the peer mentor. I watch all your videos, big fan. Keep doing what you’re doing, you’re an inspiration 👍🏼

[@luisguillermo]

Thank you for the support and kind words. Great linking up with other Shepherd Alums.

[@denisepaulsenful]

I'm a C5/6. Living just outside Toronto. I have been injured since 2011. I fainted and broke my neck. Good luck to you both..

[@Rezmade559]

I'm a c6 I'm glad you're ok telling us your story && your journey most of us have a long way to go but with positive vibes we can move forward

[@luisguillermo]

Keep up the positivity, you got this!

[@goose7574]

Anytime you start a conversation with "Don't freak out," you know it's about to be a freak out moment. I'm so glad that you are alive and didn't drown. You have a purpose on this Earth. Thank you for sharing your story. Hugs 💞

[@luisguillermo]

Facts 😂. Thank you.

[@goose7574]

@@luisguillermo Haha!

[@chavale2]

How what did it happen? Car accident? BJCASHCOWS@22KPM GoodLife AskHOw

[@WalkingTriumphantly]

Thanks for sharing man, I am a C6,C7. I am also trying to share my story on my channel. My English is not as fluent though.

[@eliacedillos242]

I’m sorry that happened to you .. God bless you ..

[@luisguillermo]

Thank you :)

[@dlbrittain1976]

Yes you were blessed, having family and support..

[@Love-bo3df]

I have a buddy who was in an ATV accident, same injury as you. He has married and now has two children ❤️. His life gets hard sometimes without a doubt, but he is living his life and it’s a life that no one thought would be possible after the accident. Take care

[@oscarrolandogarciapaz7142]

my dear cousin I am very proud of you, you're so brave facing tremendous things, I can see god's hand in everything you lived, He loves you and I am gratefully surprised how you want to help other people that's good because of a better way to grow up is helping other people. We miss you a lot here in Lima but seeing in your own page of youtube is the best. I encourage you to continue to make this kind of videos. i want you so much. your uncle rolo

[@tranquility9325]

You, sir are a billy bad ass. I am beyond proud of you handsome. Ty for sharing.

[@clairesauve7832]

So happy your injury kept you going in your studies and in a way change your life for the best. I pray that you find the love of your life!

[@fluffy5534]

You are an amazing person. Best wishes on your road ahead.

[@schmingusss]

This guy is doing so much with his life despite his physical limitations and here I am, able bodied, and not living up to my full potential. You are an inspiration Luis. I'm going to try harder. Thank you.

[@beverlyeisen7557]

What an accomplishment. You have such good attitude and now so helpful to others. God had different plans for you. ❤❤❤❤❤

[@therealmaldosmash1377]

Proud of you bro! You’ll kill it at whatever you set your mind to.

[@womaninthewave]

Love that you always have a smile on your face. You are a one of a kind

[@musicallover3868]

Thanks, Luis. I use your transfer video to help my PTA students learn how to teach transfers. Your videos help a lot of people.

[@johnjkizer6399]

Hey Luis love ur attitude and spirit, I understand completely what u said about doctors coming to you telling what u future holds for cuz I too am a quadriplegic, God Bless u and ur family, peace

[@dlbrittain1976]

WOW..what a story luis, you went through alot ....being injured...a life changing event for you..

[@lilianwriterMemoirs]

Dear Luis, You are 100% awesome and inspiring and a SUPERB human being. I've spent years feeling sorry for myself for far fewer injuries than you have. Thanks for getting me out of that negative spiral. I'm so proud of you for all the GREAT things you do! With love and kindness, Lilian in NJ

[@luisguillermo]

I’m glad you’re feeling better.

[@ericaaubie860]

Your amazing, and your determination; and sticking to your guns. Congradulations, and hope all goes well with your business.

[@luisguillermo]

Thank you :) that means a lot.

[@suewinter3693]

Greetings from DeFuniak! I hope you are doing super good now.

[@fiorella2880]

Love you and love this 😘

[@markusgarcia4136]

Great video people that learn from u will be very gratefull we never know what will happen in our lives, thanks!

[@calilyn1026]

Hi Luis. Thank you for sharing your story.

[@luisguillermo]

Hey! Thanks for watching.

[@TATTZNBRATZ]

Hello Luis. I am proud of you. It’s terrible that this happened but I feel that God chose you to give hope. You have a purpose. I admire you and your coming thru and where you have made it to. Thank you for sharing your story. Sincerely, Anita your new subscriber ♥️♥️

[@luisguillermo]

Thank you! That means a lot. I definitely plan on making videos again.

[@mikehutton9178]

What a sweet, articulate, inspiring man!

[@temperosguilherme]

Thanks for sharing dude, I am a C6,C7, Best wishes from Portugal, Lisboa.

[@luisguillermo]

Thank you. You too!✌🏽

[@annemarie5851]

What a great guy you are! Subscribed!

[@teresavelasquez2533]

Proud of you. Liked the fact that you said," you had to take care of yourself before helping others" true inspiration ❤

[@renaldopillay7909]

Hey luise.. Wow awesome story man.. You have come a long way.. Thanks for another amazing video. God bless u buddy and continue to shine 😊

[@luisguillermo]

Thank you.

[@maritza5625]

Hola amigo! I love your story and your positive outlook on life🙏

[@luisguillermo]

Maritza E. Hola Maritza. Stay positive.

[@maritza5625]

@@luisguillermo Gracias amor! Please keep posting videos, I am looking forward to seeing more of you! Te mando un gran abrazo de Chicago😇

[@heather2655]

Wow! You're an inspiration to al! Congratulations on achieving your independence and a fantastic education. Sounds like you love your career. Best wishes and keep telling your story - become a motivational speaker, too!

[@luisguillermo]

Thank you :)

[@SemiShrug]

Eyo Luis. What a story you have there. I can feel your happiness and the place you are in right now. Greetings from Belgium/Belgica! 😁

[@dlbrittain1976]

Our lives can change in a instant.....putting us on a different road......with obstacles ..we adapt over time ...making us a stronger ..more responsible

[@luisguillermo]

💪🏽

[@dlbrittain1976]

@@luisguillermo :)

[@christineharmon2766]

Luis, you are so open about yourself! Making yourself so vulnerable will help so many! I can’t get over , on KZbin, how many TBI’s and paraplegics there are!!!! Blew my mind. And causes are so varied and very scary. Each persons vlog is different. All the different personalities allow more people to connect and be educated. But all of you offer HOPE!

[@Titurel]

I'm sorry this happened to you. Keep slugging Champ!

[@Coliuke_]

I am C5-6 to, since 2016 😊 Best wishes from Lithuania ❤️

[@luisguillermo]

👋🏽😁

[@sunnydae6602]

You are an amazing human 💖

[@luisguillermo]

Thank you. I had a lot of love and support :)

[@enriquetadelavega4903]

Happy to know you recovered. May God bless you and continue to be the best person you can be.

[@luisguillermo]

Thank you 🙏🏽

[@MichelleKiwiGirlCrawfordvocals]

Thanks for sharing Luis! You have a positive energy and I imagine you'll continue to achieve your goals :o)

[@luisguillermo]

Thank you :)

[@Brsantos64]

Thank you so much for this inspiring video. My son is 22 years old and just joined the army. He had just completed his job training and was sent to his first duty station. While out with friends his first weekend there he went to a lake and suffered the exact same injury as you. The date it occurred was August 15, 2020. I am going to ask him to watch this video and know that life is not as bleak as it may seem. We are sad for him but are trying to be as up beat as we can. Thank you for being an inspiration.

[@luisguillermo]

I hope he has a speedy recovery. It’s not an easy road but he’s a soldier. I have no doubt he can still accomplish great things. Keeping the both of you in my prayers. Please feel free to reach out with any questions.

[@lindacouillard4993]

What an inspirational story! So upbeat, you are a survivor! Keep smiling and please keep doing videos!

[@lilacbazzi493]

You are an inspiration to all....God bless you for reaching out to share your story to help and inspire others!

[@luisguillermo]

🙏🏽

[@bryanb0016]

God bless you brother!!! You're definitely my inspiration no doubt about it!

[@woody_fromda6ix206]

your an absolute warrior and a goddam legend i wish you nothing but the best my friend

[@luisguillermo]

🙏

[@eternalbutterfly8888]

Damn Luis! This is tori, i used to go to school w you in fwb, pryor and choctaw lol. I did not know you went thru that!!! Damn! Im happy for you being able to make that independent achievement! Thanks for sharing your struggle. You a G goin thru that!! Hope all is well!!

[@luisguillermo]

Thanks Tori, they say real g’s move in silence right? lol Great to hear from you.

[@eternalbutterfly8888]

You aint lyin n u 2!!

[@Theonenottoplaywith]

Good for you life is not over keep going

[@christineharmon2766]

Intense story but I’m smiling because of your beautiful smile, light in your eyes, your never ending gratitude and determination! ! I really feel God holding you in the palm of His hand! There were parts of your story where I wanted to hold you in the palm of my hand and cry ! But, damn, you are such a fighter!! I have limited mobility due to stenosis of the spine and arthritis. You learn to adapt in order to be independent, but things take so much longer. I often think when I need something at the store that I could just run in and get what I need in 15 min. Now it takes some planning and a 15 min trip is at least an hour trip! I used to love to walk! Now a few steps is painful and exhausting! How and when did I get here??? But I am grateful . I think how lucky I am to have hot and cold running water, as much as I want! There are countries where they have to walk long distances daily to haul water home. I have a washer and dryer in my kitchen!!! No river and rocks, no laundry mat or basement!!! It’s all in how you choose to look at the glass... half full or half empty? I wish you much joy and love!!!

[@luisguillermo]

Being grateful is a great way to spark a positive mindset. It sounds like you’ve mastered that art. Keep fighting.

[@rebroken3904]

Proper inspirational! Such a brilliant attitude

[@luisguillermo]

🙌🏽

[@isaiahkeys7369]

Can you do a video about how you calf your self wearing pants it's been two years since my accident and I still haven't been able to wear pants because it's hard for me to take them off and put them on when I calf

[@luisguillermo]

Hey I did make that video. There’s a link in the description. Short story: I use a bungee cord to hold stuff down.

[@luisguillermo]

Hey! Actually I’m sorry its not there. I thought this comment was on a different video. But if you go to my videos it’s the 4th one I made.

[@isaiahkeys7369]

@@luisguillermo do you need help in the mornings to do your stretches or do you have a caregiver that helps you?

[@luisguillermo]

Isaiah Keys I do stretch but unfortunately not everyday. I’m working 2 jobs right now, making videos and trying to maintain a semblance of a social life 😅 I’m currently doing everything myself and don’t have a caretaker but I am in the process of trying to get me a home health aid to help with cleaning and laundry. Anything to free up some time.

[@tinahickman6300]

I broke my C2 vertebrae Sept 2002. I was incredibly lucky that although the vertebrae broke completely in half my spinal cord was not severed. I was told I was a walking Miracle they didn't expect me to be able to ever walk again! But I had to be in that Halo for almost 10 months and it really really does suck!!! I have noticed that with massage therapy and using a memory foam pillow I've been able to get some range of motion back in my neck. I can't help but feel guilty that I was so lucky when so many we're not that never deserved this to happen to them!! I admire how you have going on with your life and have not lost yourself!!

[@sue_wachira]

You're such cool vibes.......keep on😊😊

[@luisguillermo]

✌🏽

[@hitochidiaz-ramirez6229]

Lamento mucho tu accidente. El video ha sido muy conmovedor.

[@marcusXV]

You’re amazing bro.

[@your1olney995]

Handsome young man with a very strong will!

[@dlbrittain1976]

Yes reality kicked in....."what do I do now"..

[@bobkovylistek]

Wow, hats off to you, Luis! You've accomplished so much more than many, many completely healthy people with much less complicated background. And you're shining like the sun! I kinda want to hug you and secretly suck in a bit of the beautiful energy you have. I wish you all the best in the world 😃 Take good care 💜

[@luisguillermo]

Sending some positive energy your way.

[@bobkovylistek]

@@luisguillermo Oh, thank you so much, Luis!

[@kylakemp9000]

You Are Amazing ❤

[@hotflasher56]

Impressive!

[@luisguillermo]

💪🏽

[@hotflasher56]

@@luisguillermo I teach nursing students. I always look for stories from the patient's point of vie w. Your video is perfect for that. Thanks again. Be well!

[@paralifetv-youreverydaywhe8314]

Great video, Great story, Great person! Keep Rock'in it! Oh LMAO when you said "He's not going to out quad me!" :) I've heard that many times. I'm post 22 years SCI. Must be an universal thing lol

[@luisguillermo]

Thank you 💪🏽💪🏽💪🏽

[@doxydad2818]

Very impressive accomplishments Luis Guillermo! You made me feel like I don't even get out of bed in the morning bruh. I'm inspired though ;)) Thank you

[@luisguillermo]

I recently read a book called Eat that frog. I highly recommend if you want to add a little organization to your motivation. Deadly combo.

[@doxydad2818]

@@luisguillermo I will absolutely pick that up, thanks! Impeccable timing btw too 🤔💙

[@lizjones7220]

Maybe this accident saved you from another accident. You are blessed to be here!💖🙏🏼

[@luisguillermo]

I definitely think it did. :)

[@justmeashley7923]

You should come back to YT! I enjoy your videos very much! Where are you located now? (Area obviously not your address lol) you’re one good lookin guy might I add!

[@luisguillermo]

Thank you! I do plan on making more videos but I’ve been focusing on my business and it’s been crazy busy. Still in the Tampa are for now.

[@Roblesx]

I loved this video. Very inspirational ❤️❤️❤️

[@kgspvgsp7569]

I want to give you a hug. I do believe peer support beats a thousand therapy sessions. Let’s fight together

[@edaoral5508]

I feel sorry for you. Hi from Turkey! 11:52 :/

[@justinmalone8518]

Hey man, I’m also a c5 c6. I’m from northwest Florida. I’m on Medicaid currently in a nursing home trying to get my own place. Did you have your own insurance or who helped you the most after your accident

[@luisguillermo]

Hey! So initially I was still on my family insurance but eventually switched to Medicaid for about 7 years until I got my own insurance through my job. After my accident I paid a CNA to help with showers, bowel programs, cooking and cleaning. They just came for like 2 hours a day. As I learned to do things on my own I needed them less until I was fully independent. You can also take advantage of a couple of different states programs. Shoot me a private message if you ever want to talk.

[@justinmalone8518]

luisguillermo I’ll have to take you up on that man! I appreciate it!

[@morgancalvi6675]

It's been ages...where have you been? Can you do a day in the life-type thing?

[@luisguillermo]

Hey! I’m still here just super busy with work. I work full time at a substance abuse residential facility while also running a private practice. A day in the life is a great idea though! I will definitely think about it. Hope all is well.

[@morgancalvi6675]

​@@luisguillermohope all is well with you as well. I hope you can find time to do a catch up video. It sounds as if you really made a name for yourself. Your parents are probably super proud.

[@yendang5403]

You are lucky to have a sister who are there for you . I'm sure it not only hard for you, but for everyone in your life as well. Being in your 20's is a very dangerous time for many young people because you get a taste of freedom from your parents for the first time in your life and you want to explore and try out everything on your own. Young people take a lot of dangerous risks and they don't have their parents to tell them to be careful. A lot of their friends also encourage them to take dangerous risks. A lot of teenagers and young people in their 20's don't make the connection between their decisions and the consequences that come from their decisions, so they take a lot of dangerous risks.

[@luisguillermo]

Definitely lucky and grateful.

[@olir6910]

Omg i feel like such a failure watching this. But he inspired me, I need to get it together ❤

[@luisguillermo]

You’re definitely not a failure. Everyone has their own journey. I know that’s cliche but it’s true. Take the inspiration and run with it. 👊🏽

[@adinejimenez959]

Did you meet Cole from roll with cole and charisma at shepherds?

[@luisguillermo]

Hey! I think I was there before he was. That would have been really cool though. And I like the luffy picture. 😂

[@lindavalchapman4678]

You Rock!

[@Parrot2020]

Jesus loves you so much 🙏🏻 u r strong one 😊 definitely got another chance to make things right in ur life .

[@luisguillermo]

🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽

[@kristenopyt3874]

Hey papi I'm so sorry for what happened

[@luisguillermo]

I appreciate that. 🙏🏽

[@kristenopyt3874]

@@luisguillermo happy New Year

[@kristenopyt3874]

How was your new year

[@kristenopyt3874]

Do u have snapchat just woundering

[@collygodbod7012]

Sounds like you have mature since your accident and are doing well. Is there anytime when you just want to get up and walk and leave the wheelchair behind or are you completely over that desire? Regardless of your answer, I wish you continued health and happiness. :)

[@luisguillermo]

There’s definitely times I just want to walk away from my disability. It is not something I think about 24/7 but I think it’s totally normal to miss and grieve the ability to do things different and more efficiently. I don’t let that put me down. I can only do my best with what I got. I am easily pleased. 😁

[@jennifersinclair7249]

You were in the IB program in high school plus you are bilingual?! Shit!! I have tried my whole life to be what you were and you are, naturally!!!!! Damn!!

[@luisguillermo]

Only big moves 💪🏽 stay positive.

[@morgancalvi6675]

So you weren't clear...did you have the second surgery?

[@luisguillermo]

I did. Although sometimes I wish I had that little bit of range of motion back.

[@sarahmilner8483]

you are awesome and cute AF!!

[@WhiteStone21475]

stopped on 13:43

[@alyagyzmova9252]

Was the water deep or shallow?

[@luisguillermo]

It was pretty shallow. Really to tell depth since it was a clear water river.

[@lisatemple-donnelly1282]

❤️❤️❤️

[@แม่ออกัสลั่นลา]

💪👍💗

[@strictlyhardrap1688]

Bros so zesty

[@rythempetemusic4207]

You can get surgery to walk

[@luisguillermo]

What surgery might that be?

[@yeseniapacheco1164]

I have been interested in how people get paralyzed recently and have been watching several videos like this... I notice see you posting on several of these videos with the same thing. I find it so rude bc you don’t even say what surgery. You’re being a troll. Don’t you have anything better to do?!

[@luisguillermo]

Yesenia Pacheco thank you :) I probably shouldn’t have responded but couldn’tI help being a little facetious 😅

[@justinbingham6898]

😁

[@your1olney995]

@Luis you had no clue that a**holes love to troll. Never give up hope. One day there may be a surgery to help. 🙏🏻😇💕💞😷

[@danoconnor3720]

Play stupid games, win stupid prizes.

[@luisguillermo]

Facts.