Michael Schwass

Mike Schwass spent most of his life paralyzed but he never gave up on his dream – every day he envisioned himself walking, free from the confinement of his wheelchair and the aides constantly at his side.

At 16-years-old, Schwass became a quadriplegic after an opposing hockey player checked him into the boards during a game. My dad was one of his coaches and was with him on the ice that day.
Still, he maintained a positive attitude as he endured intense rounds of physical therapy, surgeries and treatments to help him grow stronger and reach his goal. Eventually, he became the first quadriplegic to stand on his legs and walk, family said.

The youngest of seven, Schwass was born a star hockey player. His injuries prevented him from playing the game again and robbed him from playing professionally.
After the accident, family said doctors gave Michael seven years to live. But he defied all of their expectations.

With limited use of his arms and legs, he graduated Notre Dame College Prep on time. He drove himself to college in a specialized van and obtained a bachelor’s degree in liberal arts in 2001 and master’s degree in social work in 2005.

Michael traveled the country as a motivational speaker. He co-wrote the book “Don’t Blame the Game,” an autobiography of his life, his injury and courage to beat the odds. As a counselor, many of his clients were also quadriplegics – he didn’t charge them because he knew from personal experience how costly their bills were, family said.

Nearly everyone that met him walked away inspired.

Our families have been in each others lives for many years. With his sister Peggy and my mother being best friends from the age of fourteen, to his nephew Bryan and I growing up together and my father coaching him on the ice. The whole family is part of our family.

Although he lived much longer than doctors expected, his family said they’re still in shock because of his death. He passed away at the age of 51.

“We try to envision him out of that prisoned body that he was in,” said his sister Peggy Herweg. “(Now) he’s just free and happy.”