DON'T BLAME THE GAME
In December 1975, then sixteen-year-old Michael Schwass sustained a crippling blow to his neck in a hockey accident, which left him paralyzed from the neck down for life. An instant quadriplegic.
Three years later his encounter with Applied Philosopher and Life Coach, Dr. Clarence Phillip Trausch, marked the launching of a transformational journey that would bring Michael to his feet - the first quadriplegic to ever walk.
At the end of each chapter, Michael is interviewed by Dr. Trausch, his long-time life coach, and co-author of Don't Blame The Game. In these encounters, wisdom and inspiration garnered from a lifetime of challenges inspires listeners, day upon day, to attain their own remarkable achievements. Penetrating questions and answers hold a treasure trove of insights into the playoff of one of life's most horrifying ordeals, faced head-on.
All over the country, Michael and Dr. Trausch’s inspiring presentations have motivated audience members to face and overcome their own personal challenges, and take command of their situations. What you are about to read is an adventure story - and an opportunity and a formula for success in any endeavor.
DON'T BLAME THE GAME ENDORSEMENTS
"This is a great book! It encourages you to rise above life's challenges while at the same time teaching you to accept the everyday blessings we take for granted.."
-Mike Leonard, NBC Today Show
"In a time when all news seems bad, when we seldom hear inspirational messages, Michael is a living example that the human spirit can overcome great burdens."
- Bill Kurtis, Kurtis Productions
"Read this book and consider it your graduate course in life."
-Michael Suib, Columnist/Author, The Miami Herald
"Read Don't Blame The Game and you'll never again complain about minor inconveniences"
-Bob Verdi, Chicago Tribune
"Don't Blame The Game" affirms the human spirit and affirms us all."
- Deborah Wood Holton, Ph.D., Associate Professor, DePaul University
"After I was completely overwhelmed after reading the first chapter, I passed it on to my son Patrick, who was equally impressed!"
- Virginia McCaskey, Owner, Chicago Bears
"The courage that Michael possesses will leave a lasting impression on anyone who reads his story."
- Peter R. Wirtz, Vice President, Chicago Blackhawks
"This book should be read by everyone! It should be read by your kids, friends and parents that play sports. It benefits anyone who plays sports, plays the piano or is just able to walk and move."
- Darren Pang, ESPN broadcast analyst
"What an extraordinary story! Michael set sights on a nearly unobtainable goal and with is own special support team accomplished his mission."
- James D.A. van Hoften, Former NASA Astronaut and Navy fighter pilot
"The first time I saw Michael Schwass was when he was a sixteen year old young man, strapped to a hospital bed that turned him every 2-3 hours. I thought, " This person doesn't have a chance to go on with his life." Thankfully, this extraordinary man has proven me wrong."
- Stan Mikita, NHL Hockey Hall of Fame
"Don't Blame The Game is graphic, straightforward, and heartfelt. It is a story about the power of a positive attitude, and how an athlete's competitiveness and drive can serve him when life deals a difficult blow."
- Jack O' Callahan, 1980 Olympic Hockey Gold Medalist
"In an age when so many, with so much, are struggling, the time is right for people to hear Michael's story."
- Ross A. Hauser, M.D., Author Prolo Your Pain Away!