This week Emmy Award-winning TV show Facing Life Head-On features the inspiring story of Aaron Welty, a Congressional staffer whose belief in the value of life stems from his own remarkable story. Born with cerebral palsy, Welty has proven that a negative medical prognosis can be proven flat wrong – and quality of life can be limitless in a land of opportunity that respects life.
“I was born in America,” Welty answers when asked how he first felt the pull to work in Congress. “I could’ve been born somewhere else in the early 80′s where I would not have been safe and life wouldn’t necessarily have been as secure as it is. I had to find a way to give back, and friends of mine suggested, ‘Why don’t you go to Washington?’ I grabbed that idea and ran with it.”
Since 2006, Welty has worked for Rep. Thaddeus McCotter (R-MI), currently as a legislative assistant. Prior to that, he served as an intern at The Heritage Foundation as part of the Young Leaders Program. The FENX, an experimental electric vehicle built for Welty by his father (a carpenter involved in aircraft design), provides him a high degree of mobility in the nation’s busy capital despite his physical challenges. Welty chronicles the origins of his electric vehicle at the FENX Project blog .
Now in its fifth season on air Facing Life Head-On provokes thought and promotes awareness of life issues, from adoption to disabilities to end-of-life care. Watch the complete two-part episode “Turning Disability into Opportunity” at the show’s website.
And I knew you when!
no matter what challenges the human life faces, it's inner strength, positivity and endurance that HELPS life through. great people with the kindness of their hearts help an awful lot to!!
Thank you Mr. Welty, for sharing your courageous battle! It's very uplifting! Brings me back to the sign I saw in Wisconsin that will forever remain in my heart and mind: Smile! Your mother was prolife!!!!!!
Aaron is a great guy who is doing some excellent work on Capitol Hill. He is a shining example of the accomplishments of The Heritage Foundation intern program. Great interview.
Thanks for the great story. During these trying times we need to hear and read about courageous, strong folks. Plus, kudos to Aaron's dad for his wonderful outlook and help to his son.
You nailed it Kim, and you are correct–we need to hear more stories like Aaron's. His family support system, his Faith in God–and his boss–have provided Aaron the incentive to achieve what he wanted to do with his life–and providing hope to others.
Thank you Aaron. I needed to hear this story today. Keep up the good work.
I am so proud to be Aaron's aunt and his dad's sister. Both are amazing men.
Down grade: I don’t understand why no one is addressing the obvious. THIS IS THE REASON OBAMA WAS PUT IN THE WHITE HOUSE!!!! …to weaken the U.S. dollar which strengthens the Euro. IF you recall, Obama is the FIRST man running for the U.S.presidency to begin his campaign IN EUROPE! You might also recall, when asked if he wanted an American flag on the platform, HE TURNED IT DOWN, saying it would not be ‘appropriate.’ He made this speech in front of the ‘DEATH ANGEL’ (which Hitler had moved to Berlin). Media pundits keep saying that Obama doesn’t ‘get it.’ Oh, he ‘get’s it’ just fine; he’s accomplished much of what he was sent to do…tear down our image.
Semper Fi and best regards,
Bill
good story liked the car very neat
God Bless your Aaron. What a great life and thank you for sharing this life with so many people. You are truly an American hero and example we would all like to follow.
I have never seen Aaron's "Superman's Cape" vehicle in person — only on great video clips like this. Frankly, Aaron needs no cape as far as I am concerned….he pretty super on his own. Thanks for sharing this. —