🎙️ Episode 21: Russel Burke: Finding Purpose after Paralysis

In this powerful and deeply moving episode of Rocking the Difference, I sit down with my friend Russ (@russ_on_wheelz), whose life changed forever after a boating accident at Lake Havasu left him quadriplegic.

Russ opens up about his life before the accident — the energy, adventure, and freedom — and the life-altering moment that tested everything he thought he knew about strength and purpose. He shares candidly about the early days of recovery, the emotional and physical battles, and the unwavering determination that helped him rebuild not just his body, but his mindset and mission.

Today, Russ has transformed his journey into one of hope and service. Through motivational speaking, hospital visits to newly paralyzed kids, tireless fundraising and being an awesome friend, he’s become a beacon of inspiration — surrounded by an incredible circle of family and friends who believe in his mission.

He has also worked with the Triumph Foundation, helping others living with spinal cord injuries and disabilities find hope and support. Learn more at www.triumph-foundation.org.

This episode is a reminder that even when life takes the most unexpected turn, the human spirit is unbreakable — and that purpose can rise from the deepest pain.

💡 Tune in to hear:

• Russ’s life before and after the accident

• The physical and emotional journey of recovery

• How he found purpose through helping others

• The power of community, faith, and love

• His ongoing mission to inspire hope and possibility

🎧 Listen now and be inspired to see challenges through a new lens — one of courage, connection, and unstoppable resilience.

📲 Follow Russ on Instagram: @russ_on_wheelz 🌐 Learn more or support: www.triumph-foundation.org

✨ New Episode of Rockin’ the Difference ✨ Being a special needs parent means carrying an invisible load that most people never see. In this solo episode, I take you behind the scenes of my life as a single mom to my adult son—sharing the scheduling, the driving, the advocacy, and the emotional weight of planning for the future, all while balancing a full-time job and trying to care for myself, too. 💙

🎧 In this episode, I talk about:

• The hidden daily work of special needs parenting
• Navigating doctors, schools, and government agencies
• The long-term planning no parent wants to face, but has to

This one’s for every caregiver who feels unseen—you are not alone. 💙

In this episode of Rockin the Difference, host Chandra Neal shares the behind-the-scenes story of preparing for international travel with her adult son, Ryan, who is blind and autistic. From a frustrating passport battle that required the help of her congressman, to packing with intention and securing disability accommodations, Chandra walks listeners through the real challenges — and the powerful surprises — she encountered while traveling to Brazil.

This episode is a must-listen for any caregiver who’s ever wondered if big adventures are even possible. They are — and sometimes, they open doors to unexpected growth.

🎯 Topics Covered:

• Navigating the passport process with a special needs adult

• How to advocate with government agencies (and when to call your congressperson)

• Travel accommodations in Brazil for individuals with disabilities

• Emotional growth moments during long-distance travel

• Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Lanyard and other helpful tools

• Encouragement for caregivers to embrace travel and dream bigger

🧳 You don’t have to keep life small just because it’s hard. Let this story encourage and equip you for your own adventures — near or far.