In a wheelchair, but not useless: a true hero

If someone were to ask me who my hero was, I would of course have to answer out of obligation that it is Jesus. He is my savior and my creator and my Lord. But after that, there are several people who inspire me and for whose life and contributions I am thankful. The one person who sticks out in my mind currently, is now in a wheelchair, but is not useless.
Jason Becker, legendary guitarist and composer, is a hero and an inspiration to myself as well as many, for two reasons. Firstly, for his amazing ability on the guitar which he has used to create beautiful music. And secondly for his perseverance in the face of an obstacle which very few have been able to overcome.
Jason was born on July 22nd, 1969 and began playing guitar at a young age. He was influenced by forerunners in the neo-classical-metal genre, such as Yngwe Malmsteen and his band-mate Mary Friedman. Jason also studied the works of classical composers such as W. A. Mozart and Niccolo Paganini. Early on he was recognized as one of the top guitar players in the genre.
He began his musical career at the age of sixteen when he joined Marty Friedman in a band called Cacophony. The band released two albums and toured over the U.S. and the world. “Speed Metal Symphony” (1987) and “Go Off!” (1988) feature some of the most astounding guitar-duo work ever recorded.
In 1988 Jason released his first solo album, entitled “Perpetual Burn.” Thus he began his solo career. At age twenty, he left Cacophony, and replaced guitar mainstay Steve Vai as the lead guitarist for David Lee Roth. Things seemed to be going perfect for the young virtuoso, but he hit an unfortunate patch of luck (or fate) as it were. He was robbed of his ability before he even reached his full potential.
During the recording of David Lee Roth’s album “A little ain’t enough,” Jason was diagnosed with ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis), or better known as Lou Gehrig’s Disease. Slowly his muscles began to deteriorate, painfully. He was given only three years to live. He was unable to go on tour with the DLR band and eventually lost his ability to play guitar, move, or even speak.
Despite the odds Jason kept fighting. During the period when he was loosing muscle control, he kept composing and finished an album which released in 1996 called “Perspective.”
Jason is still alive to this day, and is still creating music. He cannot speak, and is under the constant care of his family. Jason’s father helped him create a communication system in which he speaks using his eye movements. Later, a friend of Jason’s, Mike Bemesderfer would create a music-composing software based on Jason’s communication system, allowing him to continue composing. Currently, Jason and close friend Matt Schulze are working on a film based on Jason’s life.
I began to appreciate Jason’s plight and his amazing heart as I, at one point, thought that I would lose the ability to do what I love. Two years ago, my left hand began to stiffen in the joints, and were it not for a little pill that I now take daily, I would not be able to play guitar. Most people in Jason’s position, would have given up and died, but he has an inner strength that keeps him going. It is this strength and audacity and his amazing story that has inspired so many young musicians, and young people in general, to believe in themselves.
You can visit Jason’s myspace at: http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendI...
Also, you can view an in-depth news documentary about Jason done a few years ago here: http://video.google.com.au/videoplay?docid=1775128028743135037&q=jason+b...

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