Shawn Hessee

• “Shawn Hessee’s message packs a powerful punch. He provides people of all ages with the tools they need to be successful in life. His inspirational presentations focus on eliminating excuses, overcoming adversities, and never giving up. He has a special gift of grabbing everyone’s attention. His personal struggles in life have been written about in several books, including two of mine.”

– Tom Carr, Carr Counseling & Consultation, Inc., Hillsborough, N.C.


• "I came here for extra credit for my class but left with so much more.”

– Abby, Appalachian State University student


• “Shawn is amazing. I hope he comes back again next year. He is funny, frank and so vulnerable with his story – a wonderful addition to our med school career.”

– Med Student at Univ. of Penn.


• “Well, you did it again! You absolutely won the hearts of a coliseum full of people. Pat Riley obviously thought you were a pretty special guy as well! Though you were certainly the highlight of the evening, the real success came in what you were able to accomplish – helping about 20,000 people understand why their support of Easter Seals is so important and necessary. Working with you is always a pleasure and an honor for me.”

– Susan S. Brumley, Former Senior Vice President of Easter Seal Society of North Carolina


• "Just wonderful! You come across so approachable. Your story and the way you tell your story is fascinating. You made me listen and want to hear more. Your humor breaks the ice and your adversity message really hits home for so many people. ... Very thought-provoking."

– Attendee of International Speakers Network conference, Gatlinburg, TN.


• “The messages I heard from both you and Tom Carr last night were truly inspiring. I wish I could have been at the school yesterday to see the kids’ reactions and hear more of the inspiring words. My children were certainly impressed. They couldn’t stop talking about it.”

– Edward Best, Elementary school PTA member


• “Shawn has helped the entire student body of this high school redefine the definition of disability. Through a positive attitude and a sincere belief that an individual can achieve his goals through hard work and determination, Shawn has truly demonstrated that the only barriers to success are those we create for ourselves.

Shawn campaigns vigorously for drug awareness among young people, and perhaps feels his physical condition may be the result of a teen mother’s drug abuse. But he does not appear bitter. That positive attitude always comes through, and Shawn is such an inspiration to all students. His inspirational messages have been a source of strength for both our disabled and non-disabled populations.

Shawn continues to push himself to achieve his fullest potential and carry his message forward to all people. That message is one of pride in self, and the worthiness of each individual. Shawn truly believes we are all here for a purpose and that there is goodness in all of us regardless of the situation in which we find ourselves.

I am sure I have learned more from him than he could learn from me.”

– Michael C. Allison, Former Senior Counselor for Orange County Schools - What people have to say ...