Sage YMCA, Paralympic Gold Medalist and U.S. Navy Lt. Brad Snyder

I had the privilege of photographing the first Sage YMCA Community Breakfast Program (visit Sage YMCA to learn more or to donate) that included international speaker, author, USA Paralympic gold medalist swimmer and U.S. Navy Lieutenant Brad Snyder.

It was an early morning when members of the community and YMCA members came together for a breakfast designed to encourage and inspire as well as to raise money for programming.

The breakfast began with local performances from a District 47 bell choir, The Summers Academy of Dance and the Crystal Lake Central High School Madrigals.

D47 Bell Choir

Crystal Lake Central High School Madrigals

Summers Academy of Dance Berkshire Ballet Theatre performs a portion of The Nutcracker

After the entertainment, Lieutenant Snyder ascended the podium. All eyes were on him as he delivered an inspirational, entertaining and poignant speech.

For a person whose degree was earned in Naval Architecture and who was stationed overseas diffusing bombs, Snyder has slipped nearly effortlessly into the motivational speaking platform.

As Snyder recalled the series of events leading up the loss of his vision, I people-watched from behind the lens. The 160 guests in attendance sat mesmerized, hanging on his every word.

His talk invited the audience to not only listen to his story, but to walk alongside him throughout his journey as he painted a vivid picture of what happened in the weeks after his injury --  the garish realization that his life forever would be altered, the life-changing normalcy found in swimming and the glorious joy of winning a gold medal for only himself, but for his country -- one year to the day that the detonation of an IED in Afghanistan left him completely blind.

In a speech overpowered by optimism, tinged with the agony of injury and covered in hope, there were sighs, gasps, tears and genuine smiles. But as Snyder closed, he reminded everyone that resilience isn’t always about bouncing back from a setback to the person you used to be. Resilience is dynamic. As humans, resilience means that we have stretched, we have grown, we have become a better version of ourselves – that we should keep striving for something more.

Snyder said his goal is to be the best blind person he can be. What are you striving for?

U.S. Navy Lieutenant and Paralympic gold-medal swimmer Brad Snyder.

Snyder's guide dog Gizzy remains by his side throughout his presentation.

Gizzy and Snyder

The YMCA staff posing with Snyder and Gizzy after an impressively successful first community breakfast.

Snyder meets with Oscar Mike founder Noah Currier. I've had the honor of photographing Currier in the past. Oscar Mike strives to keep military veterans alive and on the move. Learn about the Oscar Mike Foundation here: https://www.oscarmike.org/foundation/https://www.oscarmike.org/foundation/