My name is Scott Sussman, I was born in 1985 and in 1987 was diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy. I walk with 2 canes when walking in and around the house and use a wheelchair for longer distances. I am extremely competitive, which I didnt learn until high school when I first competed in team sports. I was on the swim team and rowing team and eventually became the captain of both teams, not because I was the fastest, but because I was a leader and motivator.

I got married in 2014 to my amazing wife, Kimberly. We met online and have created an incredible life together for our family. We have 2 young children, Tyler (2016) and Mia (2018). When Tyler was 17 months, he took his first steps, as he got older, we noticed that he had some in-toeing and we brought him to an orthopedist who said it was nothing to worry about and he would grow out of it. As time passed, it wasnt getting any better, so we saw a couple more doctors, and we were told that it might be neurological. We saw multiple neurologists and in June 2019 we were both diagnosed with Hereditary Spastic Paraplegia. During this time, I was laid off from my job and was scheduled for spinal fusion surgery because of my severe sciatic nerve pain.

While I was mentally dealing with recovering from the misdiagnosis for myself, the diagnosis for my son, and physically recovering from back surgery I went for an intensive physical therapy program at Kennedy Krieger Institute. It helped tremendously! At the end of my time there, I was asked if I wanted to participate on their handcycling team, I was thrilled to be asked and said yes immediately. I had been given a handcycle as an engagement gift, so knew how to ride, but it was not a racing bike and I had never been on a team. Once I received my racing bike, I began training multiple days per week and even joined a local bike group with a group of guys who are now my close friends. Since giving the bike back, I have not been able to ride with them. When I am able to purchase a new bike, I will be able to rejoin the group in the spring when they start riding again.

Even though I am one of the newest members on the Kennedy Krieger team, when we raced 26.5 miles in October, I came in second place. If I am able to purchase a new racing bike of my own, my goal is to come in first place! I am planning to participate in more races in 2021 and beyond. My next planned events with my new bike are the NJ State Triathlon and the Baltimore Running Festival marathon. With this opportunity, I will be able to show Tyler, and all who see me ride, that we can do anything!

This is me on a temporary loaner bike from Kennedy Krieger. Its the bike that got me into the sport. Im trying to get one of my own which will help me accomplish my my goal of competing in marathons, triathlons and riding with friends.