Built To Rise: How Belief, Effort, and Sport Taught Me to Defy Diagnosis and Build the Life I Wanted

What if the challenges you face today could become the foundation for the life you want tomorrow?

Born with cerebral palsy, Adam Ballou entered the world with obstacles he never asked for. He struggled with self-doubt, felt different from those around him, and often wondered if he would ever be able to keep up.

Yet through sport, perseverance, and an unwavering belief that growth is possible, Adam went on to become a two-time Paralympian, represent the United States on the world stage, and build a life far beyond what many thought possible.

But Built to Rise is not a story about medals.

It is a story about resilience.

It is a story about finding confidence when you feel behind, learning to overcome setbacks, embracing discomfort, and discovering that our circumstances do not determine our future.

Written for teens, parents, athletes, educators, and anyone navigating life's challenges, Built to Rise combines powerful storytelling with lessons on mindset, perseverance, responsibility, and personal growth.

Whether you're facing adversity yourself, supporting a child through their own challenges, or simply searching for inspiration to keep moving forward, this book will remind you of a simple truth:

You do not have to start ahead to build an extraordinary life.

Sometimes the hardest paths create the strongest people