A Testimonial from Danny Wolfe, a classmate who was assigned to assist Joey walking around St. Rose campus after his two year recovery.
How can we possibly become a stronger person if we have an easy life? The tougher it is, the tougher we have a chance to become. If we choose to fight back, tough times never last, only tough people. When we look at the life of Joey Hale it is inspiring to all. To overcome the obstacles of life and stay so positive and strong is encouraging to all.
We can overcome just about any problem, obstacle or adversity that life deals us if we have a strong enough will and faith. The Hale family knows too well God has a way, a way which is stronger than any words or actions. Through God's will and faith, they have seen in their own eyes what God is capable of doing. Joey Hale is blessed in so many ways and what I admire most is his ability to bring out the best in anyone he meets. I have never seen a smile so genuine, so pure. It may seem petty, but to anyone who knows him - knows it's real.
When I was told of the movie, I didn't know what my part would be. But I did know, I wanted to be a part of it. I can remember at an early age in life what it meant to have a “true friend." Joey and I would do everything together. I would walk him to class, lunch, recess - never knowing the impact he would have on my life.
As a kid, it just seemed normal but as I grew older, I realized the struggles and obstacles it was for him. But as a kid, all I really knew was a huge smiling face happy to be there and that smile has had an everlasting effect on me. To have seen his success and the way in which he has influenced so many people brings me the most joy. His family, faith, prayers, and his strong will are why we are here today to talk about this “hero." For Joey, it is about being himself. For everyone else it is about hope and seeing a young man overcome great obstacles in order to accomplish incredible things.
Inspirational stories truly have the power to change lives. To me, this is a story of faith and God does have a purpose for everyone. For the Hale family and everyone involved in this production, it is about the power of prayer and faith. This story is much more than Joey Hale. It is his will to live, his will to touch people, his will to change people in a better way. It is Joey's life and everything he has proven that will change other peoples lives for the better. And as a result, it will cause a ripple effect that can positively change the world.
Joey Hale is more than just a friend. He is an inspiration to me and to all that meet him.
Robert Vaughn, Joey's stockbroker.
Joey understands the areas in life where he needs help. He's not going to make you feel guilty for doing it because he accepts his reality. Joey is very detail oriented in investing. He will call periodically with ideas on where a business is going. A lot of times, the ideas of Joey turn out to be fantastic ideas for exactly the reasons he thought they would be. I think Joey his whole life has been somewhat underestimated.
Pat Rogers, Public Relations for San Diego Chargers
After a while you don't feel sorry for Joey. In the beginning I felt very sorry for this poor young man - for what happened to him and what he is going through. I don't feel sorry for Joey anymore! Look at what he has done for himself. He is an amazing young man. He just IS! I'm smiling because i know Joey and it makes me happy.
Terry Henley, Auburn alumni and family friend on Joey's visit to San Diego Charger's training camp
The thing I remember most of all was him being in that wheelchair, slumped over with those big athletes coming out and walking by giving him a high five. He could barely lift his hand off the wheelchair. When they walked by, he told his dad "I'll walk out next time!" It was a touching thing. You could see in Joey he wanted to be with them. There is something about this, it gave him a will and drive. From one year to the next, it made a huge difference in this boy's life. I thank the San Diego Chargers everyday for giving him that opportunity. It gave him something to look forward to. They sent him a goal and he went towards it. That's the other thing, he didn't just quit. He saw those guys out there working hard everyday, out on that field and he wanted to be a part of that in some big way.
Darby Hale, Joey's Father
And that's where Joey came from. He literally could not move, could not see, could not talk. I mean Joey is very remarkable. He's a young man thats surpassed anything that any of us have ever done. He has come from nowhere...
Marc Phillips, Composer
I have a song the Lord gave me. It's called Walk by Faith. I think Joey is a prime example of what this song is about. You don't have to have a voice to sing praises to the Lord. You don't have to have eyes to see him. I think Joey is a real testimony as to counting it all joy! In the midst of trials and in the midst of hardships, he lives his life abundantly. He lives his life like there's no tomorrow.