A Conversation with Edward Rodriguez: Author of “A Walk from Florida to NY”
Mitch and Ray chat with Eddie Rodriquez, Author of “A Walk from Florida to NY” Eddie is an all around positivity guru. His story of resilience is inspiring. Here is his bio and link to his book.
Website: http://www.TheSmileAndWaveProject.com
Bio
An expert who leads by example, Edward “Eddy” Rodriguez successfully helps people overcome obstacles. Throughout his life, Eddy faced overwhelming challenges and met each one head-on and came out the victor. Every challenge arrived with unique circumstances. Eddy was a drug addict and an alcoholic. He started drinking and drugs at just twelve years old. He quit drinking at 20 while still in the Army and he conquered drugs at 27. He never used a program, just his strong will to survive. In 1994 he, his wife, and three of his daughters built a house from the ground up with no electricity for six months and no water for one year. Using only a chainsaw to cut the wood and hand tools to put it together.
At age 48 Eddy’s business partner mismanaged his business and he almost lost that business. His oldest daughter passed away and he suffered a cerebral hemorrhage. All this in a nine-month period. Afterward, he fell into a depression. He turned to the smile and laughter to heal himself from that depression. three years later in 2009, he lost his $600,000 a year business.
In the next fourteen years, he would experience a widow maker (a 100% clog in an artery going to his heart). Colon cancer and surgery. MRSA as a result of the surgery. Gastritis, pancreatitis, a swollen gallbladder, and a swollen pancreas, all at the same time. Pneumonia. Stage 4 colon cancer diagnoses, (it metastasized into his lung). A blood clot in that same lung, many stays in the hospital, and much more.
In that same fourteen years, Eddy became an international bestselling author, speaker, and trainer in overcoming challenges. Wrote two books, co-wrote in three more books, and was written about in two other books. Eddy hosted many events, appeared on national television, has been a guest on many radio shows, written about in newspapers, magazines, blogs, and more. Eddy also walked 2,000 miles from Florida to New York with only $200 in his pocket and no plan as to where he would eat and sleep each day, then wrote a book about it. Hosted an event named “Happiness in the park” and the Miami Dolphins hosted his event named “Smile and Wave America Day” two times during home NFL games in Hard Rock Stadium.
Eddy is a diverse speaker, trainer, radio, and TV guest. Eddy will light up your show, event, or interview with his excitement and lust for life. Eddy’s "Never give up, never surrender" attitude is contagious and opens up the “Happiness Creative Intelligence” in us all!”