And the frightening lesson has led him to improve the lives of others hurt by a much bigger accident. While at Life Saving Merit Badge Camp in Oklahoma last summer, Todd tripped during a shore entry dive and hit his head on the bottom of the lake. After a cracking sound and tingling sensation, the Boy Scout found himself in serious trouble. He had broken his neck at the fifth and sixth vertebrae and was unable to move his arms or legs.
People take life for granted.
It also strengthened Todd's resolve to help others. Before his accident, Todd was trying to decide what project to work on in order to become an Eagle Scout. He had an idea, but work on the project was halted by his injuries. The Highland Baptist Church congregation of Lubbock, of which his family has been a member for almost 10 years, was deliberating about adopting a family victimized by Red River floods in North Dakota and Minnesota this spring. The church's mission committee agreed to help Todd adopt a family as his Eagle Scout project and work began on soliciting donations from congregation members and local businesses.