The Best in His Field

Here's an extract of an inspirational piece by m.floridatoday.com.

Florida -- When Keenan Brown received a shocking medical diagnosis (renal failure, congestive heart failure and diabetes) involving dialysis treatments 3 1/2 years ago he decided to try martial arts, a sport his now 8-year-old son already was enjoying.

"I just did it so I could compete with my son," he said. "Just wanted to be closer to him." It didn't take long for him to excel -- just like he had done in other sports.

In martial arts he quickly became the best in his field. He set five world records, including speed, power and creative brick breaking. On March 12, he smashed 100 bricks in 13 seconds to set
a world mark.

He needs dialysis three times a week, and the treatments are 5 1/2 hours a day, almost three hours more than normal because of his size. His daily medications have been cut from 20 to eight, and he's no longer required to use insulin, thanks in part to his athletic activity.