Motivation Through Movement

Life is about taking the bad and making it good" - Lazylegz

We interviewed the 23-year-old Concordia University (Montreal) marketing major while he was traveling to London, Ontario, as part of his motivational speaking tour…which he spices up with a little breakdancing. In the last few months, he has traveled to Virginia, Missouri, New York, Pennsylvania and Washington.

Luca “Lazylegz” Patuelli was born in Montreal and raised in Bethesda, Md. Luca was diagnosed with arthrogryposis, a very rare muscle disorder that limits motion in the joints and affects bone structure. In Luca’s case, it has weakened both his legs.

Luca was treated by Dr. François Fassier at the Shriners Hospital in Montreal until the age of four, and then again in his late teens when he returned to Canada to attend university. Luca has had a total of 16 surgeries on his legs and spine.

Here are some of the thoughts this exceptional young man shared with us:

Q: How did you start breakdancing?

A: Before breakdancing, I skateboarded on my knees and hoped to go far in the sport. But, when I had to have an operation to re-adjust my femur, I was no longer comfortable on my skateboard. I knew I had upper body strength and I loved to perform and to travel. Breakdancing became a passion that opened doors for me.

Q: What is special about breakdancing?

A: It allows you to prove yourself and to express yourself. In just a few minutes, people watch you and get to know who you are and what you’re about, without a word even being said.

Q: What has breakdancing brought you?

A: I am part of a team in Montreal, and we have performed and competed around the world. In 2006, we won the Canadian Championship and came in fourth at the World Championship in Los Angeles. In Montreal, the scene is friendly – in the states it is more competitive. However, you can go anywhere in the world, and if you meet another breakdancer, they will open their home to you and take you in. 

 Q: What made you move on to motivational speaking?

A: When you spend time in the hospital, especially after surgery, you appreciate the company, whether it's the clowns, entertainers, sports stars or a volunteer who spend time with you. It's pretty much what takes the pain away, and that’s what inspired me to get started. My first show was at the Shriners hospital a few years ago, I was shy and mostly danced. My first real motivational talk was at the McKay Centre in Montreal.

Q: Have you ever been particularly touched by someone you met while speaking? 

A: There are a few stories, but the one that comes to mind first is a young boy at the McKay Centre. He and his twin brother both have cerebral palsy. He is more affected than his twin and has limited use of his arms and legs and uses a wheelchair. The first time I performed there, I saw a glimmer of light in his eyes. After a few minutes, he tried to dance with me. Since then, we hang out. I try to take him to shows and I am teaching him how to dance. You can see that he really wants to do this and that he is going to get there. He is trying so hard! 

Q: What is the message you give when you speak?  

A: My father always said "your first failure is not trying," I always tell kids that their condition is not a valid reason for not trying. We have to be creative and adapt ourselves and then anything is possible. I find people let go too easily. When you want something, you can’t let anything or anyone stop you. You have to be willing to make sacrifices. I believe that life is about living every moment. 

 Q: What do you think makes Shriners Hospitals for Children unique?

A: First, it is a network of hospitals that offers amazing care and its all at no cost to families. I think that's incredibly important. It can be very frightening to deal with disease, let alone the expense. Second, it's the Shriners themselves. I met a commercial pilot in Virginia a few months ago. He told me that in his spare time, he flies children in need to the Shriners Hospital in his private plane…isn’t that amazing?