With book, Gentry gives 'new perspective' on life

PERKINS TWP. — His fifth book and first autobiography brings a unique point of view — about sports, religion, his household and life after a debilitating injury — he's wanted to share with readers for a long time now. Tyson Gentry, a 2004 Perkins High School graduate, recently came out with his latest literary work: "Once a Buckeye…: A Story of Football, Family & Faith." "This is a story about football. But more than that, it's a story about overcoming adversity, finding purpose in the unexpected and learning that the life you never planned may become the life you were meant to live," according to the book's official summary. "Whether you're an athlete, a person of faith or simply someone facing challenges of your own, this story will challenge the way you see hardship and remind you that even in the darkest moments, there is always something more being written," it read. How it came to be Gentry actually started the biography in 2014, coinciding with when he began his nonprofit, the New Perspective Foundation. He actually completed more than 75% of this book a decade ago. So what happened? "I just didn't know how it would end because no one really knew me as I was just starting out the foundation," said Gentry, who, after growing up in the Norwalk and Sandusky areas, lives in Georgia with his family today. His wife, "Megan, and I weren't parents yet. So when I finished my last book, I thought now would be a good time to revisit this autobiography and see how it would come together, and I thought it did nicely with everything coming full circle," Gentry said. Gentry's book dives into great detail about the day his life changed forever and the ensuing aftermath. After being recruited as a preferred walk-on by the Ohio State Buckeyes football team in 2004, Gentry suffered a horrific injury during an intrasquad scrimmage two years later. In 2006, he caught a pass over the middle of the field and, upon being tackled, awkwardly hit the ground. Gentry was instantly paralyzed from the neck down. After undergoing two surgeries, followed by two months of inpatient physical and occupational therapy, Gentry realized the stresses an injury like this can place on everyone involved — thus giving him a new perspective on life and the genesis for him creating the New Perspective Foundation. "My injury led me to a life that, ultimately, is even more fulfilling because I have this special platform through New Perspective," said Gentry, who also travels the country as a motivational speaker, including at area school districts. "It is the catalyst to who and where I am today. Despite all of the difficulties of living with a spinal cord injury, we are making a difference in the lives of others." Looking at its title, Gentry incorporated a lot of his faith as the driving force behind his latest work. As inspiration, he went to his favorite Bible verses and memorable characters who left a lasting impact on him, which guided his writing. "I really enjoy sharing my story and teaching people what I have learned about handling adversity and having a resilient mentality," he said. "Mental health problems are a big concern everywhere you look, so any opportunity I get to encourage others and have something good come from my situation makes it all worth it." 'Perspective' on his foundation The New Perspective Foundation financially supports families of victims who suffer spinal cord injuries. Beyond the emotional toll, Gentry remembers the other complications and worries indirectly placed on his parents, Bob and Gloria. "My parents drove round-trip to Columbus after my injury many, many times, and they spent over $1,000 on gas alone," Gentry said. Gentry didn't want others, complete strangers even, to experience financial hardships if they suffered similar incapacitating injuries. So he turned a personal crushing blow into a benevolent and unparalleled cause. "Life can change in a split second, and it's really difficult to go at it alone when you face something like this," said Gentry, who credited Megan and their two children, Adam and Ryan, for their unwavering support. New Perspective primarily assists qualifying applicants with airfare, lodging, gas, rental car expenses and more. Since its founding in 2014, New Perspective has raised and granted more than $750,000, helping out in excess of 350 families. "The financial strain should not be what families are focused on during this time. They have enough on their minds already," said Gentry, adding how the foundation benefits those living in Florida, Georgia and Ohio. "We created this foundation because there aren't any other resources out there that address this need." Now in its 11th year, the annual Erie County-based fundraiser serves as a major income generator for New Perspective. All money received from these events and other donations covers costs so relatives can primarily focus on the person in pain without worrying about any other monetary burden. "Our community has been so supportive of me since my injury," Gentry said. "In the event anything ever happens to someone in our community, like what happened to me, that person can rely on us to be able to help them and support them through that difficult time." Hearing from him Gentry will return to the Sandusky area this summer for his annual fundraising breakfast event with all proceeds supporting his foundation. Scheduled for Friday, July 24 at Kalahari Resorts & Conventions, Gentry and Megan will be this year's featured speakers. During past events, he "always gets up and says something. But, this year, I will be a lot more involved with telling and sharing some inside stories with Ohio State and with Meg and our family," Gentry said. "We are going to share some of the really cool success stories we have done with New Perspective and really give some insight into the book." For those who can't attend, they can still donate by visiting the nonprofit's website. "We would greatly appreciate any and all support as we move forward with our mission of helping families figure out their new perspective on life," Gentry said. "Please visit our website, newperspective.org, for information on our fundraiser weekend, to learn more about what we do and to read stories from families that we have helped." Get the book People can find the book on Amazon. Just search "Once a Buckeye…: A Story of Football, Family & Faith." "I'm just really excited to put my story out there," Gentry said. The cover features Gentry on the field with his favorite coach, Ohio State legend Jim Tressel, and others celebrating a win over Michigan in 2008 during Gentry's senior year. The cover shows him, Tressel and teammates singing "Carmen Ohio." Tressel, who serves as Ohio's lieutenant governor today, has even appeared with Gentry at events and New Perspective functions. "I really tried giving readers an honest and raw insight into some of the things I went through — as a walk-on (football player) and the difficulties of that along with the insights and a behind-closed-door look at what it was like to be mentored and coached by Jim Tressel and the quality of man he is and the difference he has made in my life. I'm excited to share this unique perspective of being coached by Jim Tressel and the life-changing injury aspect that followed." Gentry hopes readers feel inspired by reading the book. And the autobiography, in a role reversal, also further motivates Gentry to help even more people in any way he can. "I have really learned that just because you have a difficult situation doesn't mean you still can't have a great time or have fun or make the best of it — and I want others to know that as well," Gentry said.