John P. Foppe

I had the pleasure to meet John at a recent TEDx event and subsequently read his book, What’s Your Excuse? Doing so has allowed me to rethink my excuses.

John has adapted to his condition — and he is careful not to call it a disability. He has learned to use his feet in ways the rest of us would use our hands, like writing, driving, and opening a can of coke. While seeing him do these things seemed incredible, John would be the first to tell you that we all have the ability to do those things (we just don’t bother). The point is we choose to adapt, or not, to our conditions. One of the perspectives that John shared is one his mother taught him — that he wasn’t an incomplete person but a whole human being with potential and purpose like anyone else.

His talk wasn’t some naive “we can all do anything” speech. He poignantly identified several things he just can’t do (push ups) but he hasn’t let his condition define him.… (mere)