Robert Florio

Life! It Must Be a Comedy: an Autobiography by Robert Florio

A man is known for the strength in his hands. I lost the ability to use my hands after injuring my spinal cord in a fateful diving injury when I was fourteen years old. The year was 1996 and I was no ordinary young man. So, this is no ordinary story or ordinary struggle, because in my fight for life I overcome depression, transformation, loss of my sense of touch and complete disconnection from my body, struggles with faith, and a longing for a woman again. When all is lost in my life I choose to be happy and laugh in spite of the daily challenges. My artistic ability emerged when I learned I could paint amazing lifelike and imaginative creations with my mouth. This ability becomes a sword, with my positive attitude a shield against negativity. I was a star athlete but after my injury and paralysis I had to learn how to live life a whole new way. I was a young, adventurous, spontaneous daredevil of a young boy, but after the injury my life changed totally. I inspire professional athletes like MLB legend and Hall of Famer Baltimore Orioles Cal Ripken Jr. former NFL Baltimore Ravens and Indianapolis Colts record breaking, Super Bowl field-goal kicker Matt Stover, MLB Baltimore Orioles former right fielder MVP Jay Gibbons, and Baltimore Blast All-Star, MISL Cup and MVP winner Denison Cabral. I even reach revolutionary videogame designer and developer David Perry through a fateful twist. I hope to infuse and inspire everyone I share my story with. My story will make you laugh and cry at the same time. Every hero has a villain and I'm both. "Robert is an amazing young guy who redefines what it means to overcome adversity. I consider myself lucky to have met him. His life, as told through this book, is inspiring and teaches valuable lessons for all of us." Cal Ripken Jr. Emmy Nominated and Associated Press Award Winning story 2005 for WBAL television and radio. For more information about Robert's artwork, comedy and appearances please go to RobertFlorio.com