It's been almost a year since real estate sales trainer Marylyn Schwartz and her husband Gene found out that their son Clayton had been in a motorcycle accident that would leave him paralyzed from the chest down.

It was supposed to be a last hurrah before knuckling down to law school at Vanderbilt in Nashville, Tennessee. Clayton Schwartz got on his motorcycle to tour Mexico. About three hours outside of Acapulco, Clayton was cruising on a paved road when a donkey appeared unexpectedly. Striking the animal, Clayton was thrown over his bike. Despite wearing a helmet, he was instantly paralyzed. Taken to a local hospital, Clayton lay on a stretcher for 24 hours before he could be medivaced to the U.S.

Recalls Marilyn, "It was nip and tuck. He had blood clots, fever. We were 50/50 whether he was going to live. The assistance of these amazing doctors was unbelievable."

Nearly a year later, thanks to incredible care by physicians and family, Clayton's "upper body is straight, and he has the use of his arms," says Marylyn.

Clayton is in his first year of law school at Vanderbilt University. While he only took one class the first semester (he went to school less than 90 days after his accident,) he is now taking three classes. "He struggles daily with all that is on his plate, but he stays in the race despite overwhelming challenges," says Marylyn.

"I have come to understand that there are many angels in the world," she says. "I have felt the greatest blessings from friends and strangers alike. These miracles have given me strength and made it possible for me to be strong throughout a tough nine months."

Professionally, Marylyn's business has continued to prosper. While she and Gene took a few weeks off while Clayton was in rehab, since then she says she's worked non-stop. "The truth is with all the monetary challenges on the table, work is what I seek most of all," says Marylyn. "And as we all know, productivity is the greatest weapon against depression."

Marylyn, Gene and Clayton are looking forward to the future of stem cell research and the hope that Clayton will someday be able to walk again. The best doctors have assured them that Clayton needs to live his life as it is, and not to live as though it will change. "That sounds like asking that we give up hope, but it is not," says Marylyn emphatically. "It asks that we accept reality, but support and contribute to all that we can do to change the future."

She says, "My message today is that life is fragile, unpredictable, frightening and wonderful all at once. From great tragedy often comes great blessing. Without a shadow of a doubt, I now know that there is more kindness in the world than there is hatred. We just hear more often about the latter.

So stop complaining about ripped pantyhose or that annoying flat tire. Everyday is a gift not to be squandered, says Marylyn.

"For me the good came in making new friends who will be lifelong relationships and also letting go of some people who proved to be too self-centered to be there for the tough times. This experience opened me up to being more empathetic and aware of the simple fact that there are countless people who are living with loss and pain daily in their lives. There are many people I have known who are happy and upbeat, yet when they found out about Clay, shared their personal pain with me by way of helping me to know that there is life ahead, and it will be good again."

To contact Marylyn Schwartz, email her at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .

Editor's note: A foundation has been established for Clayton Schwartz. If you would like to make a donation, please mail to:

Clayton W. Schwartz Paralysis Fund
c/o Marylyn Schwartz
35 Fleetwood Avenue
Bethel, CT, 06801

You can also make a donation through Marylyn's Pay Pal account at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. All contributions will be used to pay medical, rehabilitation and educational expenses.