By RANDY GRIFFITH
Last year, D.J. Gregory’s personal quest took him to all 44 PGA tournaments. He walked 988 miles as he covered every golf course, walked every hole of every round and followed a different professional golfer each week.
On Aug. 22-24, Gregory’s quest will bring him to the Johnstown area for the Alleghenies United Cerebral Palsy Foundation golf tournament and related events.
The 31-year-old’s golf adventure would have been an accomplishment for anyone, but Gregory has cerebral palsy. Each of his 1.4 million steps was an effort.
He calls it an inconvenience and refuses to allow it to interfere with his life.
Born 10 weeks premature, Gregory underwent a series of operations to cut and twist his legs so his feet would point forward. As a baby he dragged himself around by his hands, but eventually was able to navigate with a four-wheeled walker. He graduated to a two-wheel walker and then to two canes. Now he uses one cane to steady himself as his legs propel him in a dance-like motion, rocking from side to side.
Gregory loved sports, but was unable to compete in anything until he picked up a golf club. He taught himself to swing with one hand, balancing on his cane with the other.
“The message I am trying to convey is: Never give up on your dreams,” Gregory said.
He’ll bring that message to Johnstown with a series of appearances surrounding the UCP tournament.
“When I realized I could inspire people, I decided that UCP would be the charitable benefit for my journey,” Gregory said.
“All the local affiliates do excellent work. All the money people donate goes right back into the local community.”
Michael Oliver, executive director of United Cerebral Palsy for the Southern Alleghenies, said he heard about Gregory’s story and thought it would highlight the local organization’s annual fundraiser tournament.
The organization provides support and services for anyone with a disability – not just cerebral palsy patients.
“I contacted him, and he said ‘Yes,’ ” Oliver said.
In addition to his appearance at the Aug. 24 golf tournament at Windber Country Club, Gregory will be the featured speaker at a dinner in his honor at 5 p.m. Aug. 22 at Sunnehanna Country Club. A private function for UCP donors is planned Aug. 23.
Gregory has written a book about his experience. He will autograph copies of “Walking with Friends: An Inspirational Year on the PGA Tour” at all appearances.
