Bill Lewis

Bill Lewis is a former 25+ year Advertising Sales Executive for Steen Outdoor Advertising, a proud Penn State graduate, a long-time member of the Lower Bucks County Chamber of Commerce, and President of his Church. Lewis, 65 years old, was originally born in Philadelphia and he and his beautiful wife now reside in Bucks County, PA. 

Bill’s story is one of profound transformation: from navigating after becoming permanently paralyzed while cutting a tree at his church to moving into a life defined by determination, resilience, and purpose. At every crossroads, Bill Lewis chose to evolve — not just adapting to change that was thrust upon him, but embracing it as a catalyst for growth.

Can you please share about your journey to Embrace the New You?

I was serving as President of my church in 2008. Since we had a small and older congregation, I was also doubling as chair of the Building and Grounds Committee. On August 10, 2008, I was doing volunteer tree trimming and one of the branches I was working on, swung back and knocked me out of the tree leaving me permanently paralyzed. I was taken by ambulance to Aria Torresdale Hospital and then airlifted to Thomas Jefferson Hospital where I spent three weeks. After that, I was transferred to Magee Rehabilitation Hospital for two months and then home after that. I had my driver's license medically suspended after my accident and had to re-learn how to drive using hand controls in a handicapped accessible van. I went back to work for four years after my accident.  

Where did you find your strength to get past your challenges?

There were many people who aided in my journey. First and foremost was my father who was also paralyzed and confined to a wheelchair. He was an ironworker (Local 401) and was working in 1971 on the rebuilding of a Roman Catholic Church in South Philadelphia where a major fire had destroyed much of the church in 1970. He fell off the scaffolding at this job, fell five stories and landed on concrete. He was rushed to Methodist Hospital where they didn’t think he would live a week after the accident. In fact, they called the minister of our church down to the hospital to administer last rites. Well, he went on from that first week to live another 42 years. I used to joke around that you could not kill the guy. I was ten years old when he became paralyzed and I was forty-seven when I had my accident. 

During those thirty-seven years, I had a first-hand view of the challenges and obstacles he faced, his victories and the grace and good nature that he seemed to possess all the time. Far too many people do not know what to expect when they have a life altering event happen to them. When I had my accident, I knew what was in store for me thanks in large part to my father. 

Another person was my grandfather (my father’s father). He owned a bar in the Frankford section of Philadelphia. He was overweight and had diabetes. He loved to drink and eat (particularly sweets). His doctor would tell him that he had to lose weight and to watch his diet. He would tell the doctor that other doctors had told him the same thing who were now in the cemetery. He wound up outliving many of those doctors who gave him that advice as he lived till 92.

My grandmother (my mother’s mother) was also an inspiration. When she went to visit my father right after his accident, he said “mom, it doesn’t look good.” She shot back at him, “I don’t want to hear that. You are going to live to see your grandchildren.” As previously stated, I was 10 and my older sister was 13, my younger brother was 8. How this woman knew that my father would live to see his six grandchildren is still a question I ask to this day.

Of course, without a doubt, my wife and my mom who were and are both incredible examples of grace under fire in their years of caregiving. Both had their lives upended in a blink of an eye and both stepped forward when strength and courage were needed the most. Family and friends have also played an important part in overcoming my challenges. My first roommate at Magee had very few visitors. This made me sad as it is tough enough to go through a life changing event without people by your side. Conversely, I had so many visitors, I used to joke around that the hospital had to put in a turnstile. 

What was your biggest obstacle/hurdle to overcome in your journey to Embrace the New You?

When you come to the realization that you are unable to do things that were a staple in your previous life. Things that other people take for granted like walking, running, etc. I did have my driver's license medically suspended after my accident and had to re-learn how to drive using hand controls in a handicapped accessible van. 

How do you stay positive?

By having a sense of humor. Whenever I am at a doctor’s appointment and they ask do I ever get depressed or suffer from depression. I always laugh and say no, never. I also remind myself that I could have died the day of the accident so every day I wake up on this side of the grass is a gift.

What advice can you give to others who are also facing their own challenges/journeys?

I always think that there is someone who has bigger problems or is facing a bigger hurdle than me. It helps me to stay positive. I taught my children growing up that there is always going to be someone who has a bigger house, a nicer car, a bigger bank account, etc. than you. Conversely, there is always going to be someone who has a lesser house or car, etc. The same thing can apply to those facing traumatic events in their life.

Which ETNU design (Sun, Turtle, Sunflower, Phoenix, Butterfly) resonates most with you? Why?

I would have to say the Phoenix, as there is something about rising from the ashes that resonates with me. You can make the case that people who have ETNU have risen from the ashes in whatever event they have gone through.

How has the mantra Embrace the New You – ETNU inspired you?

Many people have told me that “you’re such an inspiration.” On the outside, I always thank them for their kind words. On the inside, I say to myself that I didn’t set out to be an inspiration. However, it is nice that people acknowledge my overcoming obstacles.

What is your favorite quality/strength about yourself after Embracing the New You?

I was always a patient person before my accident. However, anyone who goes through a life altering event knows that you need tons of patience. The other strength that comes to mind is resilience which you need to tackle each day.

What is a fun fact about you?

I am an easy target when playing laser tag or paintball. 

What sets Bill Lewis apart is his ability to turn his serious challenges into stepping stones and vulnerability into strength. Through needing to learn how to ambulate permanently in a wheelchair and how to drive with hand controls, he has shown us that evolving isn’t about perfection — it’s about progress, intention, and courage.

I have been doing volunteer work for a number of non-profits.  I enjoy gardening and going to the theater (however, I do not do long walks on the beach).  I occasionally dabble in sit-down comedy, but not enough to mention. (Don’t let Bill fool you – he is funny!)

Bill Lewis is an amazing husband, father, and grandfather. He doesn’t see his wheelchair as an obstacle. Bill has danced at this daughter’s wedding, swam with dolphins, dresses in funny and impressive costumes for many occasions and is an amazing “Roll Model”!

Join us in celebrating Bill Lewis and his journey that reminds us: after going through a life-altering experience you Embrace The New You are and evolve with purpose, you don’t just survive — you thrive.