Running Through Roadblocks

Running Through Roadblocks (A work in progress)

Inspirational Stories of Twenty Courageous Athletes

By Jerry Del Priore

Running Through Roadblocks is a collection of inspirational stories about twenty athletes who have battled adversity and life's greatest challenges.

Author Jerry Del Priore chronicles the trials and tribulations of these heroic athletes, leaving his audience with the notion that winning isn’t always the only destination.

The author personally interviewed every athlete in the book. Some of these stories might be familiar to you and some might not. Nonetheless, their indomitable spirits will inspire you to great lengths and give you a new appreciation for life.

Everyone can learn something from Running Through Roadblocks as it deals with adversity at a very basic level.

* The author personally interviewed every athlete in the book.

* A portion of the proceeds to will be donated to The Mike Utley Foundation

Jerry Del Priore is a freelance sports writer from New York City, who covers minor league hockey and various other action packed sports.

At the age of 12, Del Priore developed juvenile diabetes. He now lives an active and healthy life style.

In June 1991, Del Priore earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Physical Education from Brooklyn College. He has worked with adolescents and medically fragile children in a variety of recreational settings.

A highly regarded member of the community, Del Priore volunteers his time reading to childrenand assists several prominent charities with fundraising events.

These are the athletes that have been interviewed:

Paul Mormando - The World's youngest recognized Grand Master in Martial Arts History.

Molly McMaster - Colon cancer survivor who played a shift for every team in the UnitedHockey League (UHL) during the 2005-06 season.

Mike Utley – Former Detroit Lions football player who was paralyzed during a football game in November of 1991.

Randy Snow – Former tennis player who won 10 US Open wheelchair singles tournaments.

Jim Kyte - Former NHL defenseman. He was the first legally deaf hockey player to skate in the NHL.

Jeff Peterson – Outstanding Independent Professional Wrestler who lost his battle with Leukemia in November of 2002.

Cheryl Sheckles – Former Nose Guard for the Baltimore Burn of the National Women’s Football Association (NWFA).

Jim Eisenreich – Former Major League baseball player.

Shaun Fisher – Minor league hockey player signed as a free agent with the Carolina Hurricanes of the NHL. He has played seasons of pro hockey.

Jennifer Andres – Former Defensive Standout for the Baltimore Burn of the NWFA.

Cody Colchado Jr. – Powerlifter who holds national and world records in various blind powerlifting and track and field events.

Andy Parr – Vsion impaired skier who won the sliver and bronze medals at the 2002 paralympics in Salt Lake City, Utah.

Brian Ruhe – Ice sled hockey player who was part of the 2002 US team that won the gold medal at the Paralympics in Salt Lake City.

Christine Galan – First person to complete the NYC marathon with a heart and liver transplant.

Joe Jiannetti – Minor league baseball player who was the NY Mets 40th round pick in the 2000 MLB amateur draft. He spentfour years in New York's system, reaching as high as AA ball. He has played 3 years of Independent ball. Jiannetti finished the 2007 season with the York Revolution of the Independent Atlantic League.

Kelly Sutton – NASCAR Racecar Driver with MS.

Karl Romain – Former Kung Fu World Champion.

Mary Bryant - Marathon Runner/Fashion Model (Ford Agency).

Jesse Billauer - Former Amateur Surfer who was paralyzed in a surfing accident. His story was featured on Good Morning America.

Paul Martin – World-class triathlete and disabled athlete.

For further information, please contact Jerry Del Priore @

Here is a list of charities that I have helped:

The Moffit Cancer Center

The National Cancer Prevention Fund

Quality Services for the Autism Community (QSAC)

The Foundation for Sight and Sound http://foundationforsightandsound.org/