Wesley Bergin

Wesley Bergin’s story is one of resilience, determination, and unwavering hope. Born into a military family, Wesley grew up in a lower-middle-class household with his father, who served in the Army. After graduating from Ferris High School in Spokane, Washington, in 1988, Wesley made the decision to join the US Navy. His motivation was to find a career path that would translate into valuable skills in the civilian world while also exploring opportunities for personal growth. He chose to become a hospital corpsman and received his training at Balboa Hospital in San Diego.

After completing his training, Wesley was stationed at Bremerton Naval Hospital in Washington, where he worked in the OBGYN department, assisting in postpartum care for women and infants. Life seemed to be on track, but a tragic accident soon changed everything. While returning from Christmas leave, Wesley’s car hit a patch of ice, leading to a crash that left him paralyzed from the chest down. He sustained a T3 spinal cord injury, which severely limited his mobility.

Despite the magnitude of the injury, Wesley remained remarkably optimistic. Drawing on a memory of seeing wheelchair racers during a 12K race in Spokane, Wesley knew that his life wasn’t over. The image of those fast-moving athletes stayed with him, inspiring him to push forward and embrace life in a wheelchair. He soon underwent rehabilitation at the VA hospital, where he learned the skills necessary to adapt to his new reality. Before returning home, Wesley had a custom racing wheelchair ordered for him, which allowed him to start participating in races once again.

Wesley’s determination to stay active led him to set a new goal: running the Boston Marathon. Over time, he trained and competed in various races, including the Bloomsday Road Race, which was known for its challenging hills. Eventually, Wesley qualified for the Boston Marathon, which he completed twice in 1997 and 1998. These accomplishments were major milestones for him, as they symbolized his triumph over adversity.

Beyond his athletic endeavors, Wesley’s personal life flourished as well. He met his wife, Laura, at church, and the couple was blessed with two sons. Wesley had initially been unsure if he could have children due to his paralysis, but the couple was able to conceive naturally. Today, one of Wesley’s sons is following in his footsteps by serving in the Navy, while the other has pursued a career in finance.

In addition to his family life, Wesley continued to push his physical limits through hand cycling. He joined the Paralyzed Veterans of America racing team, which allowed him to travel the country and compete in endurance events. One of his proudest achievements was completing the “Challenge Alaska,” a 250-mile bike race from Anchorage to Fairbanks. The race spanned eight stages, with some days consisting of grueling 50-mile climbs. This experience was another testament to Wesley’s endurance and determination.

Wesley’s drive to help others extended beyond sports. He volunteered with organizations like Metropolitan Ministries and the YMCA in Pinellas County, Florida, where he contributed to various community projects. He also became involved with the VA’s golf program at Rogers Park, where he helped other veterans learn to play adaptive golf. Despite his physical limitations, Wesley learned to play using a special wheelchair that allowed him to stand and swing a golf club.

In recent years, Wesley and his wife Laura started a new chapter in their lives by launching a naturopathic wellness business. After becoming certified as naturopathic practitioners through the Institute for Naturopathic Wellness, the couple began helping clients achieve better health through natural methods. Their focus is on addressing common health issues such as inflammation, weight loss, and overall wellness. Wesley sees this business as an extension of his lifelong mission to help others, and he is passionate about guiding people on their journeys to better health.

Throughout his life, Wesley has remained active and engaged, despite the challenges he has faced. He has taken part in a wide range of sports, including water skiing, snow skiing, and kayaking. However, he has had to slow down in recent years due to shoulder injuries sustained during his many physical activities. Still, his enthusiasm for life and his willingness to push boundaries have not waned.

For Wesley, life is about more than just overcoming adversity—it’s about inspiring others to do the same. His positive attitude, strong faith, and determination have touched the lives of many, and he continues to serve as a role model for those facing their own challenges. Whether through his athletic achievements, his volunteer work, or his new business, Wesley remains dedicated to making a difference in the world.

As he reflects on his journey, Wesley is grateful for the many opportunities he has had to inspire others. His story is a testament to the power of perseverance and the importance of maintaining a positive outlook, no matter the circumstances. Through his actions and words, Wesley continues to demonstrate that with the right mindset and support, anything is possible.