Randy West, my prosthetist, and I will speak at the Arizona HOSA Conference, Phoenix Convention Center, Nov. 9th. This student-led organization for future health professionals promotes career opportunities in health care. I am so grateful for all the health care professionals who helped me through my journey. They were wonderful and we need more of them in the future. Time to sprinkle some inspiration.  

   Carol and I were married in my hospital room following my amputations. We recently celebrated our 10th Anniversary and renewed our vows of "unconditional love" for each other in a ceremony performed by Pastor Andy Hilla, Apache Wells Community Church. 
   I asked my close friend John Hamerski to stand by my side for the vows. He later thanked me in an email and wrote: "It has been a blessing to know both of you and to be inspired by both of you...We are all miracles in our own way because we have God's All Love inside each and everyone of us who chooses to follow His guidance and direction of our souls. You both are shining examples of how Christ has taught us to live our lives." 
  

In 2008 I was honored with a Courage Award from the Tempe Sports Authority Foundation along with Tricia Downing and Scott Hamilton. 

The 2015 honorees, Scott Bolzan, Joshua Sweeney and Amy Van Dyken-Rouen, were recognized this past weekend. I am both proud and humbled to be in their company. 
http://www.tempe-sports-authority-foundation.org/courage-awards-honorees-general.php 

Below with Scott Hamilton in 2008

My friend Ross Reck, a motivational speaker and author, wrote about my recent experience while riding the light rail system in his Ross Reck Reminder.

http://reminders.rossreck.com/cell-phones-do-not-excuse-us-from-noticing-people-in-need/

Learn more about Ross: http://www.rossreck.com
 

My 'letter to the editor' appeared in The Arizona Republic January, 10, 2015

This year, resolve to be more considerate of the disabled


   Hi, this is your friendly neighborhood quadruple amputee. 
   I have some advice for the New Year. You know those blue signs with the wheelchair picture? Pay attention to them.
   Get your face out of your phone and notice the handicapped person beside you on the light rail clinging to the post with both prosthetics and offer them your seat. 
   I know the handicapped stalls offer more space and those nice bars along the wall are a perfect place for your big gulp. Don't use them.
   And, just because you are using your parents' car doesn't mean you qualify for the handicapped space. I will be watching, and I will say something if you continue to be inconsiderate. 
   However, I would like to thank the 90-year-old woman who could barely walk for offering her seat to me. Even though I refused to make her get up, I nearly cried.
   Different generation I guess. 
                                                         -- Jeff Lewis, Mesa

http://www.azcentral.com/story/opinion/letters/2015/01/09/considerate-disabled/21499217/

My 'letter to the editor' below appeared in The Arizona Republic Dec. 27, 2014. 

Let's really show the police how grateful we are for them
   In July 1985, I was shot in the back while in my backyard. Because of it, I ultimately had to have my hands and feet amputated. 
   I am living a wonderful life because police officers stood over me knowing that the sniper might shoot again while the paramedics cared for me. 
   I would like to challenge everyone who is thankful for the sacrifices our finest make to set aside Jan. 5, 2015 to thank our police for what they do. 
   From 7 to 7:30 a.m. and again from 5:30 to 6 p.m. make signs that say only "Thank You" and stand across the street from your nearest police precinct and let them know that we appreciate the risks they take. 
                                                   -- Jeff Lewis, Mesa
   

November 2014      Las Palmas Chapel in Mesa, Arizona, asked me to sing on a recent Sunday during the service. I chose my wife Carol’s favorite hymn “How Great Thou Art.”   A minister had sung that hymn to me while I was still in a coma and hospitalized in intensive care during my illness.  Carol recalls that every medical professional in the ICU stopped whatever they were doing and turned to listen.  Carol later told me that while he was singing, I moved my head for the first time in the direction of the music. At that moment Carol said she knew that I would awaken from the coma and recover and she would do everything to make that happen. Needless to say recalling that image while I was singing, I nearly choked up but got through the hymn. I looked over at Carol and she had tears in her eyes.