Tyler’s extraordinary journey began in preschool, where he wore leg braces and used a walker. Despite these challenges, he showed everyone his ability to ___1___ and keep up with his peers, overcoming the limitations of his cerebral palsy (脑瘫).
In fourth grade, Tyler took part in the President’s Fitness Challenge to prove his doubters ___2___. Completing a one-mile run was both a physical and mental accomplishment. Tyler remembers digging deep to find the tenacity (执著) and ___3___ to do what seemed impossible — completing four laps around the school track.
That same year, the fair-haired boy was assigned to ___4___ a speech. He titled it “Why Me?” and spoke openly about living with cerebral palsy. “I wanted my audience to learn to ___5___ those who are different,” Tyler explained. His story moved his classmates. ___6___ , from elementary school through medical school, he faced bullying, including severe instances. During those years, he ___7___ 16 surgeries. Against all expectations, he earned his driver’s license. ___8___ people said he couldn’t scuba dive, he went on to become a divemaster.
Life after college brought more ___9___. After graduating from university with an outstanding academic record, a medical school dean told him, “On paper you are impressive, but I don’t think you ___10___ here.” Every other medical school he applied to also rejected him. At one point, the weight of rejection felt ___11___. He held his assistance dog, Danny, ___12___ and cried for about half an hour. But he never lost hope.
It was difficult, but Tyler refused to give up. Eventually, his inspirational story ___13___. He earned his medical degree and specialized in pediatrics. He met his wife and ___14___ respect in his role at the hospital. He says, “I stand before you as a person with cerebral palsy — not with shame, but with ___15___, because I’ve turned struggle into strength.”