Episode Description

In this powerful and deeply personal episode, we reconnect with Eric as he shares life updates since his last appearance on the show, including the heartbreaking loss of his mother and the impact it has had on his mental health journey.

Together, we have an honest conversation about grief, depression, resilience, and the often-overlooked mental health challenges faced within the disability community. Eric opens up about navigating life after spinal cord injury while coping with loss, the importance of seeking support, and why mental health deserves the same attention as physical health.

This episode is a reminder that strength isn't just about overcoming physical obstacles—it's also about facing emotional struggles and continuing to move forward one day at a time. Whether you're living with a disability, supporting a loved one, or dealing with your own mental health challenges, Eric's story offers insight, encouragement, and hope.

We wrap up the episode with a fun and engaging rapid-fire Q&A session featuring Eric and the Quad Father, covering everything from life lessons and personal reflections to a few laughs along the way.

Join us for a heartfelt conversation about loss, healing, mental health, and the power of community.

Facebook: Eric Rodriguez

IG: wcroundtable2025

At 22 years old, Michael Divel experienced a life-changing spinal cord injury after a tragic accident at a Fourth of July party left him with a T-12 complete SCI. What followed was not only the challenge of paralysis, but a brutal years-long fight against a stage 4 pressure wound complicated by MRSA and bone infection — resulting in 10 skin flap surgeries, months confined to bed, and some of the darkest moments of his life.

In this powerful episode, we dive deep into the realities of pressure relief, pressure wounds, wheelchair seating, and survival after spinal cord injury. Rico Segovia ATP/QRP also breaks down the insurance criteria surrounding pressure relief equipment and custom wheelchair cushions, explaining why proper seating technology can literally become lifesaving for wheelchair users.

Despite years of setbacks, Michael refused to quit. Today, he’s back competing at the highest level of adaptive sports and helped lead the Arkansas Rolling Razorbacks to a 2025 NWBA Championship.

We first met Michael at the Ocean Drive 3-on-3 Wheelchair Basketball Tournament in Corpus Christi, and after hearing his story, we knew this conversation needed to be shared.

This episode is about resilience, pressure wound awareness, adaptive sports, mental toughness, and the relentless mindset required to keep moving forward when life changes forever.

Please welcome Michael Divel.

Facebook: Michael Divel

IG: wcroundtable2025

In this powerful and deeply inspiring episode, we sit down with Corpus Christi TX native Alma Lee Garcia, a disability advocate whose life changed forever at just 24 years old after surviving a violent home invasion. Alma was shot in the neck with a 9mm round that entered the left front side of her neck and exited through her right scapula, leaving her with a T6 incomplete spinal cord injury. Doctors at Memorial Hospital gave her only 18–24 hours to live as she remained in a coma for a week. But everything changed when she heard the voice of her son saying, “Get up, mom.” That moment sparked her fight for survival.

Alma opens up about the physical and emotional challenges that followed, including living with autonomic dysreflexia, navigating mental health struggles, and learning to accept a completely new way of life. She shares the daily realities of living with a spinal cord injury while finding strength, purpose, and resilience through advocacy and community involvement.

We also discuss her work with WAVE in Corpus Christi, where she continues to empower and advocate for individuals with disabilities throughout South Texas. As someone from our own backyard here in Corpus Christi, Alma brings an honest, raw, and uplifting conversation that will leave listeners inspired by her perseverance and determination.

Facebook: Alma Lee

IG: almalee_361