About Moondog
I'm a 52 year old ex-professional wrestler
who's also a stroke survivor. I am partially
paralyzed on my right side.
I am 6' tall and 250 lbs. I have blonde
hair, blue eyes and a goatee. I'm a
handicapped entertainer that hasn't
let having to use a power chair slow
me down. I'm a local Las Vegas mascot, so to say. I go around town as Uncle Sam. I'm also the co-host and talent
scout for a local all talk celebrity radio
show here in Vegas. I'm a featured performer on Beacher's Madhouse that's
due to debut on Fox Tv in April 2007.
I have my power chair decorated in red, white and blue as I am a strong, true American. I'm also a poet, musician,
artist, and comedian. I played with Bill
Halley and the Comets as well as, Danny
and the Juniors. I was a champion on a
game show called Joker's Wild. I've been
an extra in a few movies as well as voice
overs. Some ot this has been since I have
been in a power chair.
I hope to be an inspiration to others with
disabilities. We are survivors and we are
strong. If our disabilities haven't stopped
us, life's problems won't either.
As a former twelve year professional wrestler I was co-holder of the world tag
team title four times over.
He was mean and ruthless in the squared
circle but, a big old teddy bear outside of
the ring. Moondog has accomplished any things throughout the years but, the one's
he's most proud of are his charity work and his musical abiities. Since a disabling stroke
in 2001, he's lost most of the use of his right side and must spend the rest of his life in
a power chair but, that hasn't dampened his spirits.
In fact, it's made him more determined than ever to reach his goals. Through a charity he created himself called, Moon Vision, he hopes to raise enough money to help struggling artisits, like himself, realize their
goals and potential. He also supports any and all animal charities. He's always on the
lookout for new and inspiring singers to join
him in the entertainment field. His dream has always been to be a professional entertainer and he refuses to let the stroke
hold him back.
This is Moondog's story:
October 18, 2001 started out like any other
day for him in his hometown of Lake City
Florida but, the life altering events of that day would have a profound effect on him
for the rest of his life. The following story
is in his own words:
"I first noticed something was different about the way I felt when I woke up that morning.
My right side was weak and I was having
trouble gripping objects both large and small. Then there was no coordination to
anything I tried to do. Simple, everyday
things confused me and I was having trouble
focusing. I went back to bed for a couple of
hours thinking all I needed was more sleep.
When I awoke about three hours later, I tried to get up to use the bathroom and
found myself unable to walk a straight line.
It was then I dialed 911.
Once I arrived in the Emergency Room,
I soon realized that small city hospitals
aren't always able to handle large emergencies. It took the doctor's three
days to figure out I suffered an Ischemic
Stroke. Those three lost days cost me precious brain tissue and caused me to suffer irreversible neurological damage.
My problems only worsened when the
doctor called in the physical therapist to
try and assist me to walk with the aide
of a walker. She was the hospital's only
physical therapist but, she was also a
woman of very small stature. I'm a large man standing 5' 10" and weighing at least
300 lbs at that time. The first time she tried
to get me up from the wheelchair using
a gait belt and a walker, I almost fell. That day, she gave up on me saying there was
nothing she could do for me because I was too much for her to handle! That was it,
according to that hospital, I would never
walk with a walker or be able to be independent again.
After a 10 day hospital stay, I was sent home to forever be. in their eyes, a bedridden stroke victim who was given no
hope for any amount of recovery. I spent
the first two years s an invalid. I had to be
cared for 24/7. I couldn't even go to the
bathroom without assistance. Bed baths
were the only way I could be kept clean.
The only time I was able to leave my bed
and the house was to go o a doctor's appointment. I had to be transported in a special lift van. Deep down inside, I knew
I was stilll able to be productive. I had a
burning desire to overcome the obstacles of
the stroke. To me, I was only in a temporary
set back to what was to become an amazing
recovery.
In late 2003, I moved to MO where I found
an excellent medical facility that understood
how to provide the necessary physical and
occupational therapy I needed. With their
assistance, I learned to take a few steps
with a walker. I also learned to dress myself
and become a productive citizen again. After
nine months of physical and occupational
therapy, I was ready to take my place in
society again.
In 2005, I moved to Las Vegas, got myself
a power chair and started to live my life
again. I became a regular around town and
especially on Fremont Street, the home of
some of the greatest casinos and the world
famous Fremont Street Experience.
I've even had the honor of meeting and
appearing on a few episodes of Criss
Angel's MindFreak. Criss is a world famous
master magician and illusionist. I've also
had the pleasure of meeting and appearing
as an extra in other Hollywood movies.
My life is now meaningful and happy again.
I'm living proof there's life after a stroke.
I'm still unable to walk more than a few steps with the aide of a walker and my right
side will always be paralyzed but, I make
the most of what I have. I live alone, without
assistance. Being on a fixed income ha been
the most difficult obstacle to overcome.After
rent is paid, there's very little money left for
anything else but, my life is richer in other
ways.
I choose to be a stroke suvivor and not a
victim. I'll never give up or give in. I don't
have the luxury of saying no because I feel
I represent all the handicapped people who
want to be entertainers. I consider myself a
pioneer.
I would like to be nominated by Mayor
Oscar Goodman to be the official handicapped ambassador of the city
of Las Vegas, of which I'm so proud to
be a citizen.
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LEGEND! I'LL BE AT BEACHERS MADHOUSE THE LAST SAT. OF EVERY MONTH!
