Danny Stephens was 23 when he had a serious motorcycle accident on Memorial Day weekend in 2011. Just a month earlier, the Lewisburg resident had run a 5K race, finishing 60th out of 1,000 participants. After the accident, Danny learned he would likely never run — or walk — again. He said he spent a while feeling sorry for himself, but two things saw him through: the love and support of his girlfriend and going to rehabilitation with people who had more severe paralysis. Danny could still move his arms and get around in a wheelchair. He decided to be grateful for his mobility and do what he could to serve as an inspiration to others. Danny did not work again for six years, but he began doing woodworking projects at his home. He built an 8-foot tall lighthouse that he presented to the doctors and nurses at Vanderbilt University Medical Center who had saved his life after the crash. He built wishing wells, miniature rocking chairs and intricate scale models of loved ones’ homes. In 2017, Danny was ready to return to work. He investigated several possibilities without success before an official at the Tennessee Career Center suggested he try Goodwill. Danny applied at the Lewisburg Goodwill store and was hired as greeter. When a position came open for a cashier, Danny volunteered, but the cash registers were too tall. Goodwill’s maintenance team lowered a register to the height of Danny’s wheelchair, and he has worked as a cashier ever since. He is a favorite of customers, and his supervisor says he is a star performer, constantly amazing co-workers with how much he can accomplish. Danny says Goodwill changed his life by giving him an opportunity to share his talents and energy with others.