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1985 was not a good year for Tony K.

It was during this time that, under the influence of drugs and alcohol, Tony was in a motorcycle accident that would forever change his life. Tony broke his back, severed his spinal cord and was in the hospital for nearly 80 days. The accident left him paralyzed and depressed, resulting in what would be a 15-year drug and alcohol binge.

“I felt I had no reason to live, I was depressed and feeling sorry for myself,” said Tony. “So I turned to drugs and alcohol, they were my escape from it all.”

Throughout the years Tony hit many lows, including a time when he pulled a gun on an off-duty police officer while under the influence. He also recalls a time when his father was forced to lie about his son’s state, telling neighbors and family friends that he was doing well following his accident, going to college and working a part-time job.

“Once I realized I was a disgrace to my family, it began to sink in,” said Tony. “I realized what my life had become and I wasn’t proud of it.”

Tony believes everyone suffering from addiction has a moment of clarity where they begin to realize how drastically life has changed since they began abusing drugs and alcohol. He remembers his vividly. It was New Year’s Eve and he was alone in his apartment. It was then that Tony realized what his life had become.

“I was 37 years old and nobody wanted to be around me,” he said. “Not friends, not my family, no one. I was completely alone. I had become the person that everyone avoided, and at that moment I realized how bad things truly were.”

It was then that Tony called a high school friend who was employed at Catholic Charities’ Omaha Campus for Hope. She helped him receive the help he needed. Tony has now been sober for seven years and counting. He currently works as a treatment specialist at the Omaha Campus for Hope, and enjoys helping others overcome their addictions. Tony served as the keynote speaker four years ago at Catholic Charities’ annual Irish Fest fundraiser. Back by popular demand, he was asked to return this year for an update on his life.

After four years of sobriety, Tony became interested in playing tennis with the encouragement of friends. He began playing socially in Lincoln and soon became involved in the sport competitively, participating in regional tournaments. He quickly became known as a force to be reckoned with on the court, winning tournament after tournament, and the hard work seems to have paid off. Tony won the U.S. Open Wheelchair Championships in 2006.

“I’m thrilled about my U.S. Open victory, but I don’t feel it is the biggest hurdle I’ve overcome. My biggest accomplishment by far is my sobriety,” Tony said. “I love God, I love my family, I love my job, I love sobriety and I love my life.”