Michael Segal

KEEP HOPE ALIVE
A Triumphant Survivor of Tragedy

About Michael Segal  
He doesn't want to be perceived as handicapped, disabled, limited or as a hero. A triumphant survivor of tragedy perhaps. Most importantly, he wants to be known as an individual who is concerned with home, families, and children. Mike wishes to be known as one dedicated to community, education and independence for all people. He is active in creating positive social change. The humility of Michael Segal personifies a desire to achieve success without accolades or pity. Michael Segal inspires everyone he meets to believe that lives can be changed and goals can be accomplished through hard work and positive thinking. His noteworthy accomplishments have been featured on national television, newspapers, and magazine articles.

In 1981, Mike Segal was a promising pre-med student at the University of Texas at Austin. Unfortunately, being at the wrong place at the wrong time dramatically altered his life's dream. Mike and his girlfriend stopped at a convenience store to get some gas after a late night study session. He walked inside and found himself in the midst of an armed robbery. He was immediately escorted into the freezer, assaulted and then mercilessly shot execution-style, in the back of the head. The perpetrators believed that they had eliminated the sole witness for their crime, but Mike Segal survived. What they did kill was the promising career of a future surgeon. Still, they did not kill the spirit and determination of a man with a caring heart. 

After Mike's unfortunate encounter with circumstances, (and after long and difficult rehabilitation), he went on to graduate with the highest honors from undergraduate school at UT, graduate from graduate school, was initiated into the Phi Beta Kappa Honors Society and the National Leadership Honors Society, and was featured in Newsweek Magazine as an "unsung hero." Mike has appeared in local and nationwide television, including the Sally Jessy Raphael program where she presented him as a "Triumphant Survivor." He has received numerous other humanitarian, academic, and professional honors. Mike married his high school sweetheart, Sharon, and together they have one child, a daughter, Shawn. He has dedicated his life to helping others.

Mike is now employed as a social worker at a major hospital in Houston, Texas working primarily with families and patients in the Neuro Trauma Intensive Care Unit (NTICU) four days a week. He also spends time writing inspirational stories. Some of his work has been published in various newsletters, e-zines, and Chicken Soup for the Soul books. Mike also works as a motivational speaker where he shares his inspirational story and "recipe" for happiness and recovery. He is a well sought after speaker, appearing before audiences at conferences, universities, and business groups.

Mike tailors his speeches for each audience and makes his presentations fit each group, where attendees often find themselves both crying and laughing during his presentations.

Michael's Demo Video

Please Click on Image to Play 

Michael's Keynote Topics

"In The Blink of An Eye" 
 A Motivational Message that is perfect for students

"Recipe for Success" 
 Tailored for Business

"Change Happens" 
 Tailored for Business

"Recipe For Recovery" 
  An Inspirational Message for Everyone - Great for Students, 
Business Groups, Religious Groups and Small Associations


Michael's Published Stories 

Listed Below are some of Michael's life stories about himself, his family and the teachers in his life which are featured on Beliefnet.com. Click on any of the links to read his inspirational words.

His math teacher helped him in his hour of need. Years later, by a strange quirk of fate, he was able to repay the kindness. Debt to a Very Special Teacher - by Michael Segal 

No one thought he would survive, but the author never gave up on himself or his dreams. The Wrong Place at The Wrong Time by Michael Segal

LOVE STORY - Would you willingly join your life to someone doctors predicted would be 'a vegetable'? A young woman's selfless choice. "She Never Left My Side" by Michael Segal



        

Mr. Segal has been a contributing author to the New York Times best-selling book entitled Chicken Soup for the Christian Family Soul as well as having another story included in Chicken Soup for the Grandparent's Soul. He has also written "A Son's Story: The Power of Faith" in the booklet entitled Brain Injury : When the Call Comes, A Congregational Resource. Currently, Michael is looking to publish his autobiography entitled, "In The Blink Of An Eye - The Bullet That Changed My Life."

The Chicken Soup series is a collection of inspiring stories from people who have had life-altering experiences. The stories are meant not only to tell what the experiences taught the authors, but to encourage readers' hope and strength.

Credentials

  • Certified Social Worker in Texas, (C.S.W.) February, 1990

  • Licensed Masters of Social Work, (L.M.S.W.), August, 1993

  • Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, (L.M.F.T.), January, 1994

Testimonials

"You are a motivator... in life... forever. I have worked and read all of the Chicken Soup stories, but you are the best!"

Nancy Mitchell Autio
Co-Editor of nine Chicken Soup for the Soul books.
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Mike's story of struggle and triumph in the face of devastating life event demonstrates very clearly the power of hope and determination.... While Mike's message is a powerful motivational presentation for any audience, his communication is particularly encouraging for individuals and families affected by brain injury. Michael Segal has my highest admiration as both a gifted speaker and a truly compassionate individual, and I would enthusiastically recommend him to any organization that is looking for a strong motivational presentation."

                                                                        Margaret A. Struchen, Ph.D
                                                    . - President, Brain Injury Association of Texas
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"... Michael's story is a fascinating, intense and incredibly inspiring one, a story that had the audience riveted in their seats, hanging on every word. He tells that story in the most disarming and involving way, and his passion for making a difference is evident at every moment. He takes the details of his own story and weaves it into a clearly uplifting and totally inspiring message that reaches into the hearts of everyone in his audiences.

I cannot recommend him any higher: he simply must be seen and heard in order to comprehend the power of his message and how he can help you take your group, your conference, your meeting to a much higher level."

Hanoch McCarty, Ed.D
Contributing Author: Chicken Soup for the Soul 
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(Michael) is a living, breathing example of the capacity of the human spirit to overcome and rise above any and all obstacles thrown in life's path.  Knowing Mike will leave you a better person and help you find within your own spirit the desire to do better, to be more."

Susan Farr Fahncke
2theheart.com
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"...In these confusing times, it is important for all of us not to give up on ourselves or on the human spirit. Your message is an important one and should be shared. 

It is amazing how well you communicated the reasons for your successful recovery and how well you translated it into terms we can apply here at WRI - at work and in our personal lives. Your presentation provides a "can do" spirit that everyone can utilize and benefit from.

Stanford J. Alexander
Chairman, Weingarten Realty Investors

Additional Kudos about Michael - HONORS & SPECIAL RECOGNITION  

Elected to Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society, University of Texas – 1984 

Selected to be one of 100 Students of the 49,000 University of Texas students, to march at the University of Texas Centennial Program – 1983 

Elected to Phi Beta Kappa Honor Society, University of Texas – 1985 

Received “Special Honors” in Plan II, University of Texas – 1985 

Graduated  Summa Cum Laude (With Highest Honors), University of Texas – 1985 

Selected as one of 12 “Dean’s Distinguished Graduates” from College of Liberal Arts, University of Texas – 1986 

Designated as one of 51 “Unsung Heroes” by Newsweek Magazine (July 6, 1987) 

Designated “A True Texian” by Governor Clements (1981)

Chosen to be in “Who’s Who Among Rising Young Americans” – 1986 

Chosen to be in “2000 Notable American Men” – 1992 

Chosen to be in “Rising Young Americans” – 1992 

Initiated into Omicron Delta Kappa (ODK) Society:  National Leadership Honors Society, University of Houston – 1996 

Received the Tom Dean Humanitarian Award from the Brain Injury Assn. of Texas – 1996 

Received the Bernard Wellner Award from B’nai B’rith for “outstanding personal courage and professional dedication for helping others”– November 2, 1996 

Received the Sammy Award from “The River Performing And Visual Arts Center” for “Making Our Dreams Come True” at the “Treasure Our Children Gala”-March 8, 2003 

KEYNOTE FEE CATEGORY:  $2,500 * 
Non-profit rates available - please inquire 

* Honorarium can vary depending on presentation length, distance to venue and many other factors. All fees are plus travel expenses and subject to change, so please call for an exact quote.

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