Tim Alexander stands again after 10 years of being paralyzed. Photo courtesy of Tim AlexanderSarah Faulkner - Editor-in-Chiefeditor@insideuab.com
Tim Alexander, former president of Gang Green and one of the main activists involved with #FreeUAB, has stood again, unassisted, for the first time in 10 years. Though being disabled for the past decade, Alexander continued to believe that he would walk again, and now he is on his way to taking his first steps in that direction. Kscope had a chance to speak with Alexander following this achievement:
KSCOPE: What exactly happened that left you paralyzed? Can you recount the story for those who do not know?
TA: I was in a very bad car accident on Oct. 28, 2006 in which I risked my life to save a 2-year-old baby’s life. My friend fell asleep behind the wheel. We ended up running into a telephone pole where the car was rocking off the edge [of a drop-off.] I punched the window out and threw a 2-year-old baby out [of] the window. From there, I was thrown around in the car, becoming paralyzed instantly from the waist down. Once the car finished rolling and flipping, my friend asked, “Is everyone okay?” I said, “No everyone is not okay. I can’t feel my legs and I’m coughing up blood.” The car catches on fire, I yell, “I don’t wanna die.” My friend got out the car and tries to pull me through the rear view window, he slips, causes my neck to snap, causing me to be paralyzed from the neck down.
KSCOPE: What have these last 10 years been like?
TA: These last 10 years have been up and down. Going from being suicidal, to depressed, to now happier than I’ve ever been and just excited about life and what it has to offer.
KSCOPE: Have you been treated at a UAB facility?
TA: Yes I've been treated in the training room at UAB where Mike Jones helps me.
KSCOPE: Have you been able to walk yet?
TA: No, I haven't walked, just able to stand a little longer on my own. Other than that, how is progress going? Progress Is going great and everyday I have to give it my all.
KSCOPE: What have you been doing to improve your condition?
TA: Working out, dieting, staying focused and positive and faithful in prayer. Staying active!
Kscope: Do you feel like you have gained anything from the experience?
TA: I’ve gained a lot! It showed me what a positive mindset and just the ability to believe in what you can’t see can do for your life! I’ve learned that faith sets you above the crowd and if you can believe, all things are possible.
KSCOPE: What were your goals beforehand? Have those goals changed?
TA: My goals beforehand were to go to college, ball-out, go to the NFL and come back and retire my mom, do some great things for my community. Yes, they’ve changed now. I just want to change the world through my life; reminding people daily we don’t need easy, we need possible. I want to be known as one of the greatest motivational speakers, coaches and mentors in the world; just a hero for all!
KSCOPE: Can you describe the moment when you stood again?
TA: It was a dream come true. I was excited and said it’s true if you can believe all things are possible even after being consistent for 10 years.
KSCOPE: What led up to that moment?
TA: Faith, hard work and determination. I had to fight both depression [and] suicidal thoughts. The thing is, I tried to stand up Friday [Aug. 12] but it didn’t happen. I told my therapist, “Don’t be upset we WIN because we TRIED; so we GREW! I had no idea we [were] going to try again on Monday but because I never gave up, it happened!
KSCOPE: What made you choose UAB?
TA: I was sent here by God. He placed on my heart to go to UAB, show people they can believe in what you can’t see and that you can be anything you want to be. And he showed me a dream of playing football and being one of the greatest TE [tight end] that ever went to UAB.
KSCOPE: Who/what has been your greatest motivator?
TA: My greatest motivator has been my faith, my spiritual father Bishop Davis, Coach Clark, Justin Craft, my family, #uabfamily and TA [Tim Alexander] support team.
KSCOPE: What has UAB done for you?
TA: Created one of the biggest platforms in my life. UAB has shown me that knowledge will change your world. UAB helped birth Tim Alexander into Timothy Alexander: a world changer and leader and inspiration and role model for all.
KSCOPE: What role has UAB football played in your life?
TA: It gave me the opportunity to truly believe in all things are possible if you have perseverance and determination and just the ability to be a winner regardless of what it takes. It gave me [something] that believed in me when some around me gave up on me.
