Defying Odds, Embracing Adventure

Early Life and Diagnosis

Born in July 1978 with Spina Bifida, Enock’s life began with a significant challenge. At the time, knowledge about the condition was limited, and his parents received the devastating news that he would likely only survive for three months. He was immediately rushed to Maine Medical Center, where Dr. Mehallic and his team addressed a complication often associated with Spina Bifida: Hydrocephalus. This condition involves fluid buildup in the brain; a shunt was inserted to relieve the pressure by draining excess fluid into his abdominal cavity. This marked the beginning of a life involving numerous medical procedures, totaling around 55 surgeries, and considerable time spent in hospitals.

 

Childhood and Mobility

After defying the initial prognosis and returning home, Enock initially moved by crawling. At age four, he received his first wheelchair, which ignited a desire to push his limits. He often explored the woods near his home independently, developing problem-solving skills when he occasionally got stuck.

At seven, he began using reciprocating braces that allowed him to walk with crutches. While functional indoors on flat surfaces, they proved impractical for outdoor mobility. By age thirteen, Enock chose to rely solely on his wheelchair, recognizing it offered far greater independence and adaptability. He has never regretted this decision, focusing instead on finding creative ways to navigate the world and accomplish his goals without the use of his legs.

At seven, he began using reciprocating braces that allowed him to walk with crutches. While functional indoors on flat surfaces, they proved impractical for outdoor mobility. By age thirteen, Enock chose to rely solely on his wheelchair, recognizing it offered far greater independence and adaptability. He has never regretted this decision, focusing instead on finding creative ways to navigate the world and accomplish his goals without the use of his legs.

The Man Who Changed Everything

Around the same time Enock decided to forgo using braces for walking, he met Bob Dyer, his junior high physical education teacher—a man who would profoundly influence the rest of his life. Although Bob sadly passed away from cancer years ago, his positive impact on Enock endures. Bob was the kind of person who consistently said, “Yes, you can,” coaxing Enock into trying activities he might have otherwise avoided. He introduced Enock to both downhill and cross-country skiing, got him involved in wheelchair basketball, arranged for him to ride a three-wheeled bike alongside other students, and ensured his full participation in all P.E. class activities. He even creatively adapted soccer, having Enock carry the ball while another student pushed his wheelchair at high speed—a task eagerly sought by classmates. Meeting Bob marked a turning point; Enock’s life became significantly more adventurous, igniting a lasting desire to push his limits and challenge himself.

Pushing Limits: Wheelchair Racing

Enock’s drive to challenge himself led him to wheelchair racing at age fifteen. His rigorous training routine involved daily 20-mile round trips from home to school and back, weather permitting. A particularly challenging part of his route was a long, steep hill that took about 16 minutes to ascend but only a minute to descend at high speed. He once clocked 56 miles per hour coming down this hill (in a 25 mph zone), passing multiple cars. Before attending college at eighteen, he completed the Maine Marathon three times, consistently improving his personal best time, often racing primarily against himself due to the small number of competitors at the time.

College, Return to Sports, and Discovering Climbing

While competitive sports took a backseat during college, Enock’s adventurous spirit remained. About thirteen years later, he rediscovered his passion for pushing limits through adaptive skiing with Maine Adaptive. Joining their race team proved transformative, significantly improving his skiing, allowing him to travel, and fostering valuable friendships within the adaptive sports community.

Inspired by a goal to see the top of Mt. Rainier, Enock discovered Paradox Sports, an organization dedicated to making human-powered sports like rock climbing accessible to people of all abilities. He attended a climbing event in “The Gunks” (Shawangunk Mountains, NY) and was immediately hooked, finding climbing to be the ultimate challenge. He has returned to climb in the Gunks almost every year since and has tackled major ascents, including the Zodiac route on El Capitan in Yosemite National Park.

Enock: The Documentary

Enock’s first ascent of El Capitan in the fall of 2016 was chronicled in his documentary, aptly titled Enock. The film powerfully highlights what can be achieved when a community unites with a shared purpose.

Throughout his journey of overcoming challenges, breaking barriers, and defying odds as an athlete, adventurer, motivational speaker, and advocate, Enock lives by his simple yet powerful motto:

“If you try, things happen.”

Help Enock Summit Mt. Rainier!

As a disabled athlete with Spina Bifida, he was inspired by a friend and passionate about advocating for outdoor access for all. He’s a proven climber, having ascended El Capitan, and is actively training and building specialized gear for this challenge.

Funding is the main barrier right now. Please consider donating or sharing to his mission.

Click Here to Donate

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