By Alex Garrett (12-3-24)
What an odd headline right? There are things that kept pushing me to write this like Thanksgiving or the lyric from Gracie Abrams where she sings she ‘Made It Out Alive’, but today pushed me over the writing edge .
With the return of FanaticsFest being announced for June 2025, it made me even more thankful to have been able to experience the 2024 edition of FanaticsFest at Javits! Especially alongside Gabriella, my fiancée as well as my cousin Robby and my friends Nithin and Caleb!
Today’s announcement made me think back to May 2024 when I was hospitalized due to a gallstone that was hampering my way of life. That little freaking gallstone changed my entire nature and life routine and I’m thankful for that!
That little freaking gallstone brought me closer to my mom and my dad, Vic, as well as my sister Abby , and of course Gabby who spent two days with me in the ER trying to figure out what was wrong alongside my family. That little freaking gallstone passed on May 22nd and with it the feeling of being excluded or not fitting in!
From afar, the likes of Anna Samanamu, Ray Negron, Jake Kosack, Kaylin , Madyson , Harley , Lindsay, Jonna. Ryan Pagano and Matt Sambolin, and of course my soul brothers Asher and Danny encouraged me to get back out there and live life after this major hospitalization. I’ve also gotten to know Frank Luna and Jasmeet Singh who have opened doors into the sports world I were felt closed for a while!
Since May 22nd, Gabby and I have met about 20% of the Yankees 2024 roster, we’ve experienced a World Series game at Yankee Stadium together , and even sat front row for a few Fanatics Fest panels including the New York Rangers panel! Thanks to my Fanatics Affiliate manager Wade Tonkin for that hook-up!
Since that little freaking gallstone passed, I’ve even had Nestor Cortes and Oswaldo Cabrera (thanks to Justintime baseball) as well as 2x Super Bowl Champion Giants running back, Ahmad Bradshaw on One Leg Up On Sports with Alex Garrett ( https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/one-leg-up-on-sports-with-alex-garrett–4168503). Cannot forget. The connection that was brought on with LaborPress thanks to Darren Yelin and Neal Tepel! In addition, my friendship with Lou Terminello continues to grow beyond just Terminello’s take and I am thankful for that!
Since May 22nd and a month recuperation, I got thank Anthony Rizzo for helping my dad see a Cubs World Series on the Today Show Plaza! I’ve also gotten to meet Giants owner John Mara and head coach Brian DaBoll as well as HOF QB Phil Simms!
Gabby and I are even on radio now thanks to Lucas Ferrara and Mert Roberts Sunday Nights at 7p on AM 970 the Answer! I don’t think I could have gotten through these times without InviteHealth and airing out my thoughts on gallstone issues with Dr. Amanda Williams on both WMCA and WNYM!
Beyond the who’s who , I’ve learned a lot about this body of mine since May and how to properly take care of it and maintain it. Our bodies are truly like a car that needs maintenance at all times . The only time I truly feel like someone who is disabled is when I don’t take the proper care of this body God has given to me for now 33 years. I honestly never want to go through that pain again which is why i deleted the big three fast food apps and have taken to eating more fiber-based products and dairy free products as well!
I even have decaf coffee when I remember as caffeine I’ve been told raises gallbladder issues !
Yes, that freaking little gallstone opened up doors and a feeling of inclusion and it also taught me a lot about my body. That’s why I’m thankful it happened so I can enjoy this Christmas season once again!
On International Day of Disability, I’ll revert back to a phrase I learned ‘Disability is Not Inability’ and that extends to the fact we are able to take care of our health and our bodies, it’s the only one we got!!!
OneLegUpAlex 