Joel Sonnenberg
| Joel Sonnenberg | |
|---|---|
| Born | 1977 |
| Occupation | Motivational speaker |
Joel Sonnenberg (born November 1977) is a Christian motivational speaker. He is a graduate of Taylor University as well as Columbia International University's seminary program.
On September 15, 1979, when Sonnenberg was 22 months old, he was involved in a devastating accident that left him with burns over 85% of his body. Sonnenberg was burned after a tractor trailer crashed into the car he was in, resulting in the rupturing of its fuel tank. Sonnenberg was rescued from the burning car by a stranger. The tissue damage suffered included the loss of the fingers on his right hand, his left hand entirely, his ears, and damage to his skull.[1]
After recovering from the burn injuries, Sonnenberg became an active international speaking minister, with particular interest in persons with disabilities.
Appearances in mass media
- Today Show
- 48 Hours
- Crystal Cathedral's broadcast The Hour of Power
- PAX-TV's Sue Thomas: F.B.Eye
Books and film
- Joel Joel Sonnenberg and Gregg Lewis, Zondervan, ISBN 0-310-24693-8
- Race for Life : The Joel Sonnenberg Story, Janet Sonnenberg, Zondervan ISBN 0-310-25930-4
- Scarred Hero: The Story of Joel Sonnenberg (film) ISBN 1-56364-601-3
References
- ↑ Ramer, Holly (August 23, 1998). "Burned Baby Now a 'Diamond of Sparkling Beauty' as Adult". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved December 9, 2011.
Further reading
- Associated Press (March 14, 1985). "Boy, 7, Who 'Miraculously' Survived Burns, is Granted Disney World Wish". The Evening Independent. Retrieved December 12, 2011.
- "Courage". 48 Hours Mystery. CBS News. February 11, 2009. Retrieved 2011-12-13.
Two-year-old Joel Sonnenberg, strapped into a baby seat, was horribly burned. Doctors spent years trying to repair the damage. He underwent more thn <sic> 40 separate surgeries.
- Susan Reinhardt (October 14, 2004). "Abstract. New book and TV role only touch on the accomplishments of local burn survivor.". Asheville Citizen - Times. ProQuest Archiver. p. B.1. Retrieved 2011-12-13.
Since he was a small child, he has been in the spotlight as a public speaker, educating people about the importance of accepting others' differences.