THE MEANING OF LIFEMost people would not call a brush with death and permanent disabilities "fortuitous," but Rizzo doesn't look at things the way most people do. Stripped of his hubris and the trappings of the material world, he began looking inward and outward in an entirely new way.

Night after night, he awoke with a need to write down his thoughts about the nature of man, God and the universe. Most began with questions, and though answers came to him, he always acknowledged that truth speaks many languages. Having studied the sacred texts of major religions from Taoism to Judaism to Catholicism, he saw something he believes links them all together, something that changed his life and the lives of countless individuals who have encountered him since.

"You don't need to read the Bible or any other sacred text. It comes down to two principles: don't harm others and be kind and generous to all people. Every major religion advocates this," said Rizzo, who now lives in Eagle. "Before, I was motivated by the satisfaction of saving big corporations millions of dollars. Now, it's the looks on people's faces."

Since his recovery, Rizzo has devoted his life to helping those less fortunate. He may not be able to run any more or overcome the speech impediment caused by a paralyzed vocal chord, but he does not see himself as a victim. His resum includes more than two dozen examples of long -term volunteer work, from assisting a clinic for uninsured patients to serving the homeless at the Salvation Army to providing free legal advice to poor people to playing cards with nursing home residents.

He volunteers at least three times a week at both the Life Care Center of Boise and Valley View Retirement Community, spending several hours entertaining residents with card games,motivational speaking and the occasional fishing trip. And every Friday, he advises people who can't afford a lawyer at Idaho Legal Aid Services.DO UNTO OTHERS

Rizzo's faith is pivotal in his life, especially the commandment to love your neighbor as yourself. But rather than an edict, he sees it as an invitation.

"I do not believe that the Golden Rule means that people must provide benefits to others who live in remote places. Nor do I believe that the Golden Rule means that people must provide benefits to strangers. But I do believe that the Golden Rule is God's communication to humanity that the Almighty expects all of us to treat other human beings in a kind and considerate way," reads an excerpt from Rizzo's book.

According to his friends at Life Care Center, Rizzo is trying harder than most to meet this expectation.

"Roger Rizzo is a miracle walking," said resident Nora Schweers. She has been at Life Care for almost two years because of a stroke that left her partially paralyzed and unable to speak. After months of rehab, she is using a walker and talking up a storm about what Rizzo means to her. "He's taught us that we can do anything we want and be what we want to be," she said. "In our eyes, he's our hero."

"Some weeks the only thing we look forward to is Roger," said Sally Zanders, another resident. She suffers from multiple sclerosis and is in a wheelchair, but like Schweers, she is determined to enjoy her life. Spending time with Rizzo over the last two years has been a big part of that.

"He would do anything for either of us. He wouldn't even ask why; he'd just do it," Zanders said. "That has affected the way we treat each other."RIPPLE EFFECT

It also has affected the administrative team at Life Care Center of Boise. Regional director Mike Sharp, social worker Kim Thompson and activities director Donna Jordan all spoke highly of Rizzo. He gives more time in one week than most volunteers do in a month. Sharp remembered the first time they met, when he was approached by a strange man talking about taking the residents fishing.

"I thought, 'Who is this guy?' He even wanted to pay for the bus.' " Sharp laughed. "A lot of people ask, 'How can you work in a place like that?' Then you meet people like Roger who tell you you're really making a difference He reminds us of our mission."

That mission is to ensure the medical and emotional well-being of the elderly and infirm. Sharp said medical needs account for about 80 percent of care in nursing homes, but quality of life is essential.

"We don't want anyone just lying in a bed," Jordan said, pointing to a button on her lapel that reads, 'Whatever it takes!' Residents are encouraged to participate in activities including shopping, sightseeing, going out for lunch and taking part in book clubs, journaling groups, socials and mini golf tournaments.

Rizzo has endless energy for these activities. He deals poker and pinochle on a regular basis. He spends hours taking small groups to movies once a month, buying treats and screening films before they're shown to the residents. He does this because he believes it is what he was meant to do.

"He understands a little bit about how they feel. That helps him do what he does. He has a great perspective. A lot of people have a philosophy, but if you read his book, you see that he really lives his philosophy," Sharp said. "I don't think he feels sorry for himself in any way, shape or form. He has found people who have serious challenges and is working to make their lives better."

"A lot of the residents are inspired by what he has overcome. It empowers them," Thompson said.

That is what moved Rizzo to write his book. While his conclusions have specific spiritual foundations, he insists the underlying message is universal.

"I think anybody can make the transition. They don't have to have a serious accident, have a friend die or lose their job," he said. "They just have to get serious about what life truly means."

Erin Ryan: 672-6732

After motorcycle accident, Roger Rizzo has devoted himself to helping others | Life | Idaho Statesman Page 1 of 1

http://www.idahostatesman.com/life/v-print/story/360312.html 8/25/2008