Deseret News | Cerebal palsy no obstacle for happy hiker, biker, Ph.D.-to-be

Reader comments
Cerebal palsy no obstacle for happy hiker, biker, Ph.D.-to-be

42 comments | Read story

Superdell's Fanny pack | 10:03 p.m. July 30, 2009

Go dude go!

Hero of Canton | 10:12 p.m. July 30, 2009

Very cool story. Good Luck to you Brad!

what an inspiration! | 10:42 p.m. July 30, 2009

to all of us.

Comments continue below

Anonymous | 11:55 p.m. July 30, 2009

I've been hiking with brad and it's no easy task keeping up with him! I am inspired by his optimism. Just goes to show the power of happiness. Thanks Brad for your example to me! Good luck at Duke!

NIKKI | 12:33 a.m. July 31, 2009

I absoutly loved your story "Cerebal palsy no obstafle for happy hike, biker, phd to be"

I have a grandson who has Cerebal Palsy, and this gives us great hope that he will be able to do the things that Brad has accomplished.

We are proud of you "Brad Hintze" keep up the good work and please give us updates.

To: Doug Robinson who done the article, "Thank You"
for putting this article in the paper, we need more
articles like this. very well done!!

Wow | 6:57 a.m. July 31, 2009

Great story. My son, who also has CP, will like to read this.

blessed | 7:23 a.m. July 31, 2009

now this is a story, Im in a masters program and i am small fry what a guy. may your journey continue to inspire!

Eastern Observer | 8:00 a.m. July 31, 2009

What a great story! Just think of how many other kids who have physical limitations will read this story and think, "I can get out there, too, and do my best!" My youngest son also has CP, but is considerably more involved both physically and cognitively. His greatest talent is bringing joy to others through smiles and giggles. But Brad, you are amazing! Keep up the good work!
And congrats to the parents, too!

John Charity Spring | 8:25 a.m. July 31, 2009

This is a story about a young man who represents everything that is good about this Country. It is so refreshing to hear about a young person who knows the value of hard work, perseverance, and determination. This Country could use more young people like him.

Brad F | 9:16 a.m. July 31, 2009

Brad and his family live kitty-corner from my folks...he's an amazing young man. Great story....

Andrea Moss | 9:58 a.m. July 31, 2009

Brad,
You are amazing and I love ya! I am going to miss you while you are away at Duke. We'll have fun at grandma's house tommorrow and take lots of pics.
Thanks for being you!
Your cousin,
Andrea

Brenda Nelson | 10:00 a.m. July 31, 2009

I grew up across the street from Brad and I was also born with a disability. I have not faced the same level of challenges that he has. But I can't express how much it means to me to see Brad excelling. He's a great example of what people with disabilities can do... what all of us can do! Way to go Brad. Great story. Thanks!

What a pick me up | 10:32 a.m. July 31, 2009

I'm inspired after reading this story; I can't imagine the strength that others find that are able to interact with him regularly. It is easy to get a little discouraged with the way life works sometimes. I'll certainly try to do better with my own circumstances after reading this.
Good luck at Duke, Brad. You're amazing.

Jonna Barrus | 10:44 a.m. July 31, 2009

That's my baby brother! He is as amazing as the story reads. When we dropped him off at USU (I had to go, Got my BS and MS there!), I had a harder time leaving him than my Mom. I kept thinking..."we can't just leave him there!" But a couple of months later, I came up for parents weekend (mom couldn't make it). Everywhere we went was, "Hey Brad!, Hi! How are ya!" I knew he was fine and there were friends everywhere. Love ya Bro!

Anonymous | 10:58 a.m. July 31, 2009

I had the opportunity to live by Brad for a year. Not only does he always have a smile on his face he never complains about his condition. When everyone went home and spent Christmas with their families he went and build homes for people in a third world country. Everyone who is lucky enough to know Brad has been blessed!

A true friend | 11:11 a.m. July 31, 2009

Brad is a good buddy of mine. He helped me through a lot of my chemistry and biochem courses. His attitude is humbling to me and everyone. It's not possible to be sad or down-hearted around Brad; he's a built in pick-me-up. Love ya buddy. Bitner. (Bitty)

Amazing | 11:34 a.m. July 31, 2009

It's amazing that perverts, degenerates, and anti-Americans get so much attention and praise from the media but real heroes like Brad and our military get relatively none.

Jan | 11:54 a.m. July 31, 2009

What an uplifting story. I fight a disability daily and found it inspiring that this young man is so positive, intelligent and a hiker to boot!

Karen Nelson | 11:55 a.m. July 31, 2009

I have read all the comments thus far. They are absolutely true. I have know Brad since his birth and admire his fortitude and enthusiam. Love you, Brad. Keep up the good work. I am privileged to know you.

Butch Cole | 12:46 p.m. July 31, 2009

My copliments to Doug Robinson for his inspiring article. We need more stories like this to inspire and strengthen the each of us. Doug thanks for this article. It definately inspire me.

I"ve known Brad and his parents for years and my hat's off to them. They are great people and I am honored to call them friends. Brad, stay the course, you are the greatest.

Aggie Fan | 1:06 p.m. July 31, 2009

Doug often writes about the rich, spoiled athletes. Compare Brad to those people. What a contrast. Thanks for the inspiration. I think I'll use this when I teach the youth.

Alisha | 2:15 p.m. July 31, 2009

Doug thank you for this article about a remarkable young man who is obviously going far in the world, disability or not. This was uplifting and brought a tear to my eye, we need more articles like this in the newspaper.

Pete Coyotl | 2:54 p.m. July 31, 2009

I am a tough-looking big guy who lifts weights almost every night.

I cried while reading this story. Darn you Mr. Robinson.

Jann | 3:24 p.m. July 31, 2009

I am so impressed with this young man. He could choose to to let it get the best of him but he has not. He is a shining example of what a person can do if he sets his mind to it. This article made my eyes tear up. God bless you in your future endeavors, Brad. We need more articles like this.

Sarah | 4:54 p.m. July 31, 2009

Thanks for sharing. I loved this story it made me feel happy.

Emily | 8:06 p.m. July 31, 2009

What inspirational story. I to have CP and other challenges. This story made my day. Just the pick me up I needed today.

EdM | 8:58 p.m. July 31, 2009

Once again, great article Doug. So many times we all take a look at our lives and complain about this or that. You read this story and you realize we have nothing to complain about....ever.

EJM | 11:02 p.m. July 31, 2009

WOW! I also have CP as well. I love to hear these stories because I like people to know that we are still people, and we dont need to be treated like we cant do anything for ourselves! Go Brad! Thank you for your story!

Nevada Parent | 11:27 p.m. July 31, 2009

Thank you for the inspiration Brad! My five year old son has a wonderful, cheerful disposition despite also struggling with the challenges of CP. He handles the frustration of watching other children run and play better than his mom and I do. That said, there will be more challenges and disappointments down the road. I have filed this article to share with him on such occassions in the hope that it will inspire and lift him as it has done for me.

Olivia Anderson | 12:37 a.m. Aug. 1, 2009

Growing up I lived just down the street from Brad and was friends with his sister. Brad has always been full of smiles and happiness. Brad, I am so proud of you! You are inspiration to me.

CP Mom | 9:10 a.m. Aug. 1, 2009

I have an 18 year old son with CP. This is a wonderfully inspiring story.

Brad's "PROUD" Dad | 2:38 p.m. Aug. 1, 2009

This article is only a "breath" of the inspiration that Brad has been his whole life to us. We are in awe daily at his strength and attitude. It's hard to take any credit for a child that has been so self motivated, as has his brothers and sisters been also. Maybe they have been the example for him to follow.

Maureen G | 4:04 p.m. Aug. 2, 2009

When we moved in across the street from Brad 16 years ago, he was quite a tease to our much younger son, who learned to "take it"--along with Brad. Thanks Brad for being an example of hard work, hard play, and the principled life. You know you are loved and admired and wished the greatest blessings of life. It takes your kind of strength (and parents) to make inspiring articles like this worth writing!

Rebecca Dilg | 4:05 p.m. Aug. 2, 2009

I was in a Green-house production class at USU about six years ago with Brad. Brad, another fellow and myself made up our three-some seedling planting team. I enjoyed working with Brad and seeing his determination as he painstakingly, yet meticulously planted each little seedling. I worried about the physical aspect of a degree in horticulture for him, but he was excited to do it as he talked about an internship for the summer at Mount Vernon.
I am so thrilled now to have read that you have combined your interest in horticulture with your brains; where the work will be not only rewarding for you, Brad, but of great benefit to society. Congratulations on your graduation. You passed me up, but thanks to examples like yours, I have not given up.

Nancy Nelson Whittaker | 7:51 p.m. Aug. 2, 2009

I grew up across the street from Brad. He is probably more "able" than most of us without a disability. I've watched him with true amazement over the years! I'm so lucky to know him.

Teri W | 9:24 p.m. Aug. 2, 2009

I agree with so many of the readers that we are so inspired and lifted by articles like this. Brad is exceptional on every level. He use to hang out at our house sometimes with a group of kids in the neighborhood and I loved visiting with him and having him share some of his dreams with me. How great to see that he has accomplished so many of them and no doubt will continue to inspire and to lift others through his amazing attitude.

Brother | 10:26 a.m. Aug. 4, 2009

This story has the ability to heal your life if you let it. Brad's intro-spective nature and determination have led him to be a master of self. And not to take anything away from Brad, but WE all have this ability within us. This story encourages all people to excel to the best of their ability. Well written story, but great material to write from and write about. THANKS!

Mom | 3:03 p.m. Aug. 5, 2009

Brad has indeed been an inspiration for our whole family and we are so proud of him. His positive attitude, determination, perserverance, and sense of humor has helped us all throughout our lives.
He has 5 wonderful and supportive brothers and sisters that have always been right there for him, and he has been there for them. Mr. Robinson; we thank you for writing this story. It's refreshing to hear some "good news" once in a while. And thank you all for your sweet comments.

Utah State Alumnus | 2:23 p.m. Aug. 6, 2009

I graduated with a Ph.D. in education from Utah State. It took several years and a great deal of effort. Brad easily surpasses my "educational" abilities. He is what education is all about - teaching by example. Here's to you, "Dr." Brad!

Sharon Kerkman | 4:42 a.m. Aug. 13, 2009

Brad, you are truly doing the work of the Lord. What an inspiration you are to so many on a daily basis. CP is no easy disease to live with, and you make it look fun! I am so happy you are enjoying life and not sitting back with a poor me attitude. What a joy it was to read your story and see your video. I am a friend of your Step- Grandmother Sharon, and she inspires me too, with what her life was and has been since the summer of 1982. She overcame a near death experience to live life to the fullest on a daily basis. God Bless you in your work, Dr. Hintze, we need more inspirational stories printed like yours. You may not have served a mission for the LDS Church, but you live and breathe the faith everyday, and that is more than some of those Missionaries do we see out in public. Keep the faith....you are here to inspire everyone. Kudos to you, Dr. Brad Hintze!

Tom Green - friend of Sharon | 11:08 a.m. Sept. 7, 2009

Hi, Brad. We love you. We met a few years ago and Sharon keeps us up to date on you. I will share with you what I told Sharon - I go to Juvenile Hall to do a religion class with the kids and I share stories like yours, about overcoming difficulties, so they can see they have lots of potential hidden within themselves. Yours isn't the only story but it's one I love best because I know you and have seen what you do. May God show you his love in his special ways. Tom Green

Judy--friend of Sharon | 9:17 p.m. Sept. 26, 2009

I am afraid that Brad is the most impressive of all the summer stories I've heard. What a remarkable remarkable unspeakabily courageous young man and family. Keep it up.

Add your comment

Comments are monitored. Any comments found to be abusive, offensive, off-topic, misrepresentative, more than 200 words or containing URLs will not be posted.

Words Remaining

E-mail address: For internal use only. We may want to contact you to publish your comment (not your e-mail address) in the newspaper or for a separate story idea.