Profile of Success - Scott Guzzo
Pathfinder user Scott Guzzo has made a name for himself! A 2004 graduate of Central High School in Evansville, Indiana, Scott was named one of 124 people to carry the Olympic Torch through St. Louis this past summer.
Scott drove his wheelchair about 400 meters (about one-fourth mile) as the torch was carried by celebrities and selected citizens from the Gateway Arch through various neighborhoods and then to Francis Field on the campus of Washington University.
Bob Guzzo, Scott's dad, learned that the St. Louis' Olympic ceremony committee was looking for nominations for torchbearers. He read the requirements and thought his son fit what they were looking for - people who bring out the best in humanity, who unite people, who build bridges between people, who let us see the commonality among people, who showcase the value of individuals.
Scott's escort for the flame carrying was John Brenner who wrote about Scott in a follow up article for the Saint Louis Track Club, Track Time News, "There were roughly 125 flame carriers, and about 30 escorts, so each of us had the opportunity to run with five or six folks. It was impossible not to smile and wave while running, as I felt this deep sense of pride for my country. My most memorable flame carrier was my last, Scott Guzzo. Most of my folks were certainly proud to carry the flame, and smiled a lot, but Scott was different. He truly seemed to have the Olympic spirit and pride to carry the flame. After it was lit, he wheeled back and forth from one side of the road to the other. Then he started singing the Olympic anthem, so loud and clear that everyone on the street could hear. I was moved simply by the joy he demonstrated."
Scott has been diagnosed with Crane-Heise syndrome, which is extremely rare (the Guzzos know of no other person with it in the United States). Scott has had 22 surgeries.
Scott's
mom, Paula said, "Scott used the Pathfinder for all of his interviews on TV
news about the Olympic Torch experience."
In 1997, Scott used his Liberator to sing for President Clinton. Last summer, he used his Pathfinder to testify in a Senate Forum in Washington, DC on Capitol Hill. In past years, Scott has also used his Pathfinder to talk with Cher, Delilah, and Tony Orlando. Paula says, "He gets opportunities that we could never dream of."
The University of Evansville Engineering Department designed a "fold-away" unit for the Pathfinder. Having the Pathfinder in front of him, at the angle he needs it to see the screen, impairs his driving view. This new unit allows Scott to push a button to deliver the Pathfinder in front of him.
Thank you, Scott, for your Olympic spirit and for allowing your Pathfinder to join in the honor!