Everyone gets in a funk and currently I’m in one, but then I remember stories like this and it puts things in perspective a little. We sometimes get caught up in our own little World and struggle with the day to day, we tend to forget about our blessings. When we start focusing our energy to what we’re grateful for and the positives that surrounds us, only then will we see the light at the end of the tunnel.

Over the summer I got a chance to photograph a special comeback story about Hayward Demison for ESPN HS. Last year, Hayward was on his way to scoring what proved to be a game-winning touchdown in their game against Canby, but as he pulled away from the defense, he knew something as wrong. After scoring the touchdown, Hayward went over to the sidelines and told his trainers. Hayward then collapsed and blacked out.

His heart stopped for about two minutes, as the team’s training staff performed CPR. Doctors confirmed that a faulty artery wasn’t pumping enough blood to his heart. Hayward had two options, undergo a triple bypass and never play sports again, or try a riskier open heart surgery that would give him a chance to play again. He opted for the latter.

Five months later, Hayward is getting to make his comeback. He suffers no ill effects from the surgery and isn’t on any medications or special diet. His goal for this year, one of which is to rush for 2000 yards. *Interviewed by Mike Grimala