Joey Uvalle is a handsome, active 19-year-old college student. The son of Victor and Teri Uvalle, Joey is the loving big brother to his four younger sisters. He attended St. Charles Borromeo Catholic School and graduated with honors from Bishop Moore Catholic High School where he was a member of the National Honor Society, the Hispanic Honor Society, Civitan, and the Boys Soccer Team. He is currently a second year college student at Florida State University where he is a member of the Men's Soccer Team and Phi ETA Sigma Honor Society.

On February 18, 2006, Joey suffered a tragic fall that resulted in a catastrophic spinal cord injury and he is currently paralyzed. He is undergoing intense physical rehabilitation at the Shepherd Center in Atlanta, Georgia. Although Joey is insured, the company has denied coverage for Joey's treatment at the Shepherd Center despite several appeals.

When he was in kindergarten, Joey was introduced to and fell in love with the game of soccer. He played with the Catholic Youth League,then through high school, where he also played with FC America in Orlando, Florida.

Joey is a strong athlete who knows how to train both mentally and physically for the challenges he now faces. His strong belief in God, supportive family and friends, and tremendous determination will guide him through his journey toward recovery.

Joey's attitude is great...he has a soccer poster that his sisters helped place on his ceiling that reads:

"Impossible is just a big word thrown around by small men who find it easier to live in the world they've been given than to explore the power they have to change it. Impossible is not a fact...it's an opinion. Impossible is not a declaration. It's a dare. Impossible is potential. Impossible is temporary. Impossible is nothing."