My name is Martin Micheal Lopez, and my life changed in November 2007. A drunk driving accident left me with life-threatening burns, the loss of my left eye and hand, and a new understanding of what it means to truly survive. My background in wrestling gave me the physical fortitude to endure the long recovery, but the mental and emotional journey was the real fight. I battled anger, depression, and anxiety, ultimately learning to take ownership of my story and cultivate a life of purpose beyond just survival.

I’ve had a lot of support on this journey. My parents, family, the youngest of eight and an uncle to dozens, has always been my foundation. And the burn community has become a second family, a group of resilient people who have shown me what’s possible.

Now, after nearly 15 years of semi-frequent speaking engagements, I’m taking the next step. Inspired by my mentor, Dr. Ruth Rimmer, I’m stepping out of my comfort zone to launch a new mission.

My new sports media company, Make A Move, is dedicated to showcasing extraordinary people—amputees, burn survivors, and others who have overcome incredible odds and made their communities better. I’m doing this for my family, the burn community, and anyone who feels they can’t. Through these stories, my goal is to redefine what society considers “able-bodied” and prove that the true measure of a person is not what they’ve lost, but what they choose to do next.