Born of Nigerian descent but raised in Macon, Georgia, Emeka Nnaka‘s story will inspire you.
Emeka, a 30-year-old who was paralyzed in a football accident nine years ago, was recently on the Ellen DeGeneres show and she surprised him with $100,000 for his relief fund. His friends have been trying to raise that amount with a GoFundMe account.
Since his accident, Emeka has dedicated his life to helping others, especially at-risk youth in his community. Ellen wanted to celebrate his good deeds by giving him a huge surprise.
According to Ellen, she noticed Emeka’s story because 50 people wrote letters to let her know how “incredible” he is.
He said he was playing for a semi-pro football team and tackled an opponent during a game in Arkansas. The opponent rose to his feet. Nnaka was unable to move and, when carried from the field to an ambulance, was unable even to give any kind of hand signal to others that he was OK.
Nnaka said he underwent a nine-hour neck surgery and spent 10 days in intensive care before returning to Tulsa. Partially paralyzed, he knew his life was forever changed.
His GoFundMe page reveals even more recent struggles for Emeka and why people should donate to his relief fund.
On September 19, 2018, Emeka’s apartment building, along with all of his belongings were destroyed by a fire. A few weeks ago before that, the van that allows him to drive himself was totaled and needs to be replaced. He is a person who is constantly doing for others and now needs our help!
Emeka has been an asset to the Tulsa community by being an advocate for the physically challenged and countless other community projects. He also has been heavily involved in raising money for the Tulsa United Way, is a part of Tulsa Beyond initiative to redesign and reimagine Tulsa high schools, and is on the Board of Trustees for Tulsa Transit.
He serves as a councilor for displaced, and troubled youth and Emeka inspires, encourages, and educates students and fellow citizens as a motivational speaker.
Emeka was injured in an Oklahoma Thunder football game 9 years ago and uses his experience to motivate people to not let their circumstances define them but use them to propel them to do and be better. Please help however you can and share!
Watch him share his story before and Ellen’s surprise.
