Robert McQuay, a professional actor, faced the most challenging role of his life while body surfing in Ocean City, MD in 1990 at age 28. He was struck by a wave that pitched him into the sand, injured his spinal cord, and left him a quadriplegic. He was determined not to let this moment change the most important roles in his life: husband, father and actor. McQuay came to NRH after a three-week stay in acute care. He spent two months rebuilding his strength and learning new skills that would return him to independence and self-sufficiency. Of course it hasn’t been easy, but McQuay has managed to stay upbeat. He credits NRH as a source of inspiration. When asked what his time here was like, he responded, “The experience was tremendous. I can’t say enough good things about my time there.”
Following his recovery, McQuay has broken the traditional typecasting of “wheelchair actors,” demonstrating to fellow actors and audiences alike the importance of focusing on abilities rather than disabilities. Now, at 49, he has taught high school, acted professionally and in local plays, plays the piano, recorded Books on Tape, became licensed and ordained in the Methodist Episcopal Church, broadcasted for National Pro-Life Radio, and served as the voice of NRH for a short period of time. “I’ll be doing Dr. Dolittle this coming Christmas. I do keep active in that when a project comes in which I’m interested in, I’ll do it.” He currently is producing video and audio work full-time.
NRH hopes to see McQuay, a former Victory Awards® honoree, at the 25th Anniversary Gala in December, and maybe even around NRH tinkering on the baby grand piano. He is a true example of the Victory of the Human Spirit® and NRH welcomes him anytime.
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