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Todd Waites is an arm amputee, cancer survivor, musician and motivational speaker from Columbus, OH. Playing the keyboards since age 4, Todd’s lifelong dream of being a “rockstar” seemed shattered in an instant when he lost his right arm and shoulder at 14 years of age due to an aggressive bone cancer. While undergoing a rigorous 18 months of chemotherapy, Todd kept his mind off of the treatments by pouring himself into the keyboards and learning how to now play with just one hand. His dedication to overcoming adversity paid off as he has since been featured in national magazines, "coached" David Bryan (the keyboardist of the hugely successful band Bon Jovi) when he lost the tip of his finger, and has gained the attention and respect from many people wordlwide.

Early Life

At the age of 14 Todd would lose his arm and shoulder, but not his life. He endured 18 months of chemo-therapy and found Coach Tom and the Strongsville community to be very supportive. None more so than teacher Vicky Eicher, who was the choir and music director at Albion Junior High. Before losing his arm Todd was the keyboardist for the show choir, and was also in the choir. And, at a time when he felt like he needed somebody to believe in him, she showed up at the hospital with sheet music and encouragement, both emotional and spiritual. Todd recalled that even as he went through phases of darkness in music and dress, she saw him for who he was. ^[1]

Music

Todd took an interest in music early in life and earned the money to buy his first keyboard, an entry level Sears model, by delivering the (Sun) Star Newspaper in the early 1980's. He saved his earnings for two years to buy that keyboard. But, he was never to play this instrument with two hands. The Friday before going to pick up his keyboard he went to toss a football around with his neighbor Tom Burichin, who was the high school football coach. Todd heard a cracking sound in his arm on the first pass he threw. An x-ray image taken that night revealed that the arm was indeed broken. He picked up the instrument that weekend with his arm in a cast. On Monday further testing and evaluations led to the diagnosis of cancer and how it had spread. ^[1]

Todd has known fellow one armed musician Rick Allen from Def Leppard since the mid-90's and they have remained close ever since. "Rick is an amazing guy...and so incredibly humble. The guy joined Def Leppard when he was 14 and has been famous worldwide ever since...but yet is one of the most sincere, nicest people you will ever meet. And so amazingly talented. He knows my kids and has seen them grow up from a very young age to where they are now, and is just a total stand up guy. Throughout all of these years I don't know if I have ever seen Rick not smiling...he truly loves life" says Todd. "Rick lost his arm in a car accident and the rock and roll world watched one of the greatest comebacks of all time. He is a true rockstar...but I was first...I lost my arm two years before he did!" Cite error: The <ref> tag has too many names (see the help page).

FAQ'S

What kind of challenges does this pose musically? It's really not a challenge as much as an adventure! I don't use sequencers for live shows -- that would be cheating -- so some songs are harder to play than others. When there is a will there is a way, and I've got enough will for me and several others.

What are the names of some other bands you've been in? Michael, Spank, RunAvrilRun, Rocket to name a few of the many bands I've been in over the years.

How old were you when you became a Christian? As a young kid ... 5 or 6. But back from "my fall" that I took 2002-2004 and back with the Lord better than ever. Amen for his patience, unconditional love and grace!

How did you come to meet Def Leppard's drummer? I had been featured in Keyboard Magazine back in 97-98 or so, and through that it led me to meet many great musicians. Rick Allen and I bonded because of us both missing one of our arms, and being musicians. I am much more popular than him, of course, lol! ^[2]

References

^ ^a ^b Clevland.com, Newspaper Article.
^ [1]

External links

[Clevland.com-1] Clevland.com, Newspaper Article.

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