First Person in Medical History to be Paralyzed Three Separate Times and Recover; Disability Awareness Advocate & Founder of the Thomas E. Smith Foundation
Thomas E. Smith Biography
Thomas E. Smith is the first person in medical history to be paralyzed three separate times and recover. Growing up in Massachusetts as a rising hockey star, Smith signed a Junior A hockey contract after high school to best position himself to receive a collegiate scholarship. However, on Aug. 2, 2008, he sustained a paralyzing injury that many thought would end his promising career. After months of rehabilitation at The Miami Project to Cure Paralysis, the world’s most comprehensive research center for paralysis, he made a one-in-a-million recovery and was cleared by doctors to return to the ice.
Then on Oct. 1, 2009, it happened again: Smith sustained a second life-changing injury while playing hockey, leaving him paralyzed from the waist down. Doctors said Smith had a better chance of winning the lottery five times in a row than having two completely unrelated paralyzing injuries. On the morning of Jan. 11, 2010, while driving to physical therapy, he was involved in a car accident and was paralyzed for a third time. In just 17 months, Smith had sustained three separate paralyzing injuries and once more faced the fight of his life.
In pursuit of a new purpose, he co-founded The Thomas E. Smith Foundation, a non-profit volunteer organization that provides emotional and financial assistance to the paralysis community. To date, The Thomas E. Smith Foundation has donated over $450,000 to individual patient sponsorships and paralysis research.
In 2013, he founded The Look-Up Line, ice hockey’s first warning track, and received patents for his invention in both the United States and Canada. In 2015, Smith became the first person with paralysis to cycle the eastern seaboard, biking over 2,100 miles from Boston, Massachusetts to Miami, Florida. He raised $100,000 for the Miami Project to Cure Paralysis as a result of his journey. In 2018, he became the first person who has been paralyzed multiples times to complete the Boston Marathon without the use of a wheelchair. On April 15th, 2024, Smith completed the Boston Marathon for a sixth time since being paralyzed. He currently serves as the President and Co-Founder of his foundation and the Co-Chair: Massachusetts Hockey Safety Committee at Mass Hockey.
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Thomas E. Smith Speaking Topics
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Overcoming Adversity
Tom Smith speaks openly about the challenges and setbacks he’s faced throughout his career, and what it took to push through them. Drawing from real moments—not just highlight wins—Tom shows how adversity can shape character, sharpen focus, and ultimately lead to growth when handled the right way.
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Leading Through Action
Tom Smith believes leadership is earned through actions, not words. In this topic, he shares how leading by example—showing up prepared, working consistently, and holding yourself accountable—creates trust and raises the standard for everyone around you. His message focuses on doing the work and letting that speak for itself.
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What are the speaker fees for Thomas E. Smith
Speaking fees for Thomas E. Smith, or any other speakers and celebrities, are determined based on a number of factors and may change without notice. The estimated fees to book Thomas E. Smith are under $10,000 for live events and under $10,000 for virtual events. For the most current speaking fee to hire Thomas E. Smith, click the Check Availability button above and complete the form on this page, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536 to speak directly with an experienced booking agent. -
What topics does Thomas E. Smith speak about?
Thomas E. Smith is a keynote speaker and industry expert whose speaking topics include Business Leadership, Disability, Hockey, Motivational, Non-Profit, Overcoming Adversity, Philanthropy, Resilience, Running, Social Activism -
Where does Thomas E. Smith travel from?
Thomas E. Smith generally travels from Boston, MA, USA, but can be booked for private corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances. For more details, please contact an AAE Booking agent. -
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Thomas E. Smith is a keynote speaker and industry expert who speaks on a wide range of topics such as Overcoming Adversity, Leading Through Action and Creating a Winning Mindset. The estimated speaking fee range to book Thomas E. Smith for your event is available upon request. Thomas E. Smith generally travels from Boston, MA, USA and can be booked for (private) corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances. Similar motivational celebrity speakers are Christine Walker, MPPA, Kyle and Brent Pease, Ruth Rathblott, MSW, Dr. Michael Time and Rebekah Gregory. Contact All American Speakers for ratings, reviews, videos and information on scheduling Thomas E. Smith for an upcoming live or virtual event.
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