Elliot Hare is the kind of person you want to call when you’re having a bad day. He’s kind, he’s a great listener and he’s genuinely interested in other people.

I interviewed and photographed Elliot for a feature in the community publication I work on called West Highland Living. Because of the incredible person he is, I knew I needed to share his story wider. During the day, Elliot works as a Patient Concierge at Speaks Orthodontics. At night and on weekends, he’s busy promoting his fitness apparel brand called #TreadmillLife, LLC. He started #TreadmillLife to inspire others to live their best lives. He is living his best life, but his grateful attitude didn’t come easy. Elliot’s life changed in an instant thirteen years ago when he was involved in a motor vehicle accident that left him unable to walk or talk. He rehabilitated at Craig Hospital, where he is now a volunteer and mentor to others whose lives have been changed by tragedy.

Elliot’s Hare’s #TreadmillLife story:

The #TreadmillLife® movement began in a place immersed in fear, confusion and pain. To this day I don’t know what really happened, I can’t remember.

Surrounded by patients in wheelchairs, not capable of performing basic activities. Not being able to talk, eat or communicate was an empty feeling. Not being able to walk or feed myself. Having nurses tie my shoes. Not knowing how I got there or what had happened, filled with confusion. I was so scared.

Having to re-learn everything, moving my limbs, chewing, talking, standing, and counting. I can recall re-learning the alphabet. At 25 years old. It was exhausting. Embarrassed of the fact, I even had to relearn how to go to the bathroom. Everything that I had taken for granted was lost and I had no idea what was going on. A Traumatic Brain Injury was what I had suffered.

Painfully, I think of the day that my parents and my therapist took me into what I thought was another rehabilitation session. This was about 3 weeks after the accident and I still had no idea what had happened or why I was there. They sat me down in the Doctor’s office, and the three of them focused on me like no one ever had before.

My father told me about the one-car accident. Detectives presumed that the vehicle lost control exiting the interstate and flipped an unknown amount of times. They described, how I was ejected from the vehicle and was fortunate to have survived. Vividly, I can remember my father’s tear-filled eyes and soft voice as he tells me ‘Venus,’ my girlfriend, was in the car also. Venus passed away.

Remembering the day that I could finally stand steady enough to walk on the device that would change everything, the treadmill. It filled me with strength, courage, and empowerment that helped me develop a unique and necessary hope that I needed to recover. #TreadmillLife® is about encouraging hope and supporting people working hard to overcome challenges.

During my stay, I knew so many people that were not as fortunate as I was. These people were going through similar ordeals all by themselves. No visitors. Alone. Scared and lost. A genuine support system was necessary for my recovery and it started within my heart. Nobody could show it to me, I had to find it.

The goal of #TreadmillLife® is to encourage a feeling of hope within people that are working hard at overcoming challenges in their lives. To ignite a motivation in each person who reads this. It was a courage born in my recovery from a Traumatic Brain Injury but we need inspiration within us to overcome any type of challenge. Your story is worth telling too, it could help someone. Please share her hashtag #TreadmillLife on social media. A treadmill is not required.

A little bit more about Elliot’s shining personality:

What is the most rewarding part of your role as a mentor and volunteer at Craig Hospital?

It is so important to me to be there for patients as a friend during the scariest time of their lives. When I am able to make a patient and members of their family smile it reminds me why I am who I am.

What was the first concert you went to?
My first concert was Atmosphere at the Ogden Theater when they were in their beginning era. It wasn't close to sold out back then.

What was the last good movie or TV show you saw?

Even though it took me a bit to start watching, I am currently into "The Sympathizer" on HBO.

Who would you have on first if you could host a talk show?

If I was a talk show host I would first invite Dr. Jandel Allen-Davis, the CEO of Craig Hospital. She is the most powerful woman I know and everyone should know about her work.

Song that makes you want to dance?

"They Don't Like Me," by SEB

What do you tell yourself when you are having a hard day?

When I am having a hard day or even a singular hard moment, I think of all the people I have met that would love to have the physical and mental capabilities that I possess.

If you could be an animal, what would you be?

I would be a Great White Shark so I could explore parts of the earth that no human will ever know.

What do you think the world needs more of?

In the world today we just need so much more empathy for one another.

Advice you’d give your younger self?

I would tell my younger self to embrace and share your true feelings. Stop trying to appease people and be yourself.