2008 Woodie Awards
In the spotlight: Eugene Stacy's dreams have no limits
Samantha Marinko
Issue date: 4/3/08 Section: Features
When he enters a room, people notice.
It's not because he's loud or rambunctious.
It's not because he is wearing bright colors or light is emitting from him.
Eugene Stacy, a senior at Sacred Heart, often draws stares because he is in a wheelchair; but that doesn't bother him.
"If I'm looked at different because of my wheelchair, I can't see it anyway," said Stacy who is legally blind.
Stacy is a prime example of someone who has challenged and overcome those social barriers.
"I don't allow myself to dwell on those things I cannot do, but instead think about only those things I am able to accomplish," said Stacy.
Stacy has cerebral palsy. According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders, cerebral palsy refers to a neurological disorder that appears during infancy or early childhood, which permanently affects body movement and muscle coordination.
It is caused by abnormalities in parts of the brain that control muscle movements. There is currently no cure.
But that's not the worst of it, explained Stacy, who said that his biggest obstacle isn't his physical disability, but his blindness.
Despite everything, Stacy has not allowed his disabilities to limit him at all. Since he came to Sacred Heart in 2000, Stacy has held a two-hour block on WHRT, the in-house student run radio station.
Stacy is an English major with a minor in music.
"The dedication he shows to his studies puts most of us - students and teachers - to shame. Nothing seems to get him down or discourage him," said one of Stacy's professors, Dr. David Curtis.
"I'm rich for having known him."
Stacy currently works for the American Red Cross and plans to continue working with them after he graduates this spring.
He is also currently writing a mystery novel entitled "All That Jazz" which he hopes to someday have published.
But like most college students, Stacy enjoys his time off from school and work.
It's not because he's loud or rambunctious.
It's not because he is wearing bright colors or light is emitting from him.
Eugene Stacy, a senior at Sacred Heart, often draws stares because he is in a wheelchair; but that doesn't bother him.
"If I'm looked at different because of my wheelchair, I can't see it anyway," said Stacy who is legally blind.
Stacy is a prime example of someone who has challenged and overcome those social barriers.
"I don't allow myself to dwell on those things I cannot do, but instead think about only those things I am able to accomplish," said Stacy.
Stacy has cerebral palsy. According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders, cerebral palsy refers to a neurological disorder that appears during infancy or early childhood, which permanently affects body movement and muscle coordination.
It is caused by abnormalities in parts of the brain that control muscle movements. There is currently no cure.
But that's not the worst of it, explained Stacy, who said that his biggest obstacle isn't his physical disability, but his blindness.
Despite everything, Stacy has not allowed his disabilities to limit him at all. Since he came to Sacred Heart in 2000, Stacy has held a two-hour block on WHRT, the in-house student run radio station.
Stacy is an English major with a minor in music.
"The dedication he shows to his studies puts most of us - students and teachers - to shame. Nothing seems to get him down or discourage him," said one of Stacy's professors, Dr. David Curtis.
"I'm rich for having known him."
Stacy currently works for the American Red Cross and plans to continue working with them after he graduates this spring.
He is also currently writing a mystery novel entitled "All That Jazz" which he hopes to someday have published.
But like most college students, Stacy enjoys his time off from school and work.
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