Todd Waites
Cancer survivor, arm amputee, keyboardist and motivational speaker
"I can do ALL things through CHRIST who strengthens me"
- Philippians 4:13
Todd Waites is a cancer survivor, arm amputee, keyboardist and motivational speaker. He is the keyboardist/backing vocalist of the ApologetiX... an internationally known touring/recording Christian parody band that has released multiple CD's, a live DVD, and plays all over the country sometimes in the upwards of 100 shows per year.
Playing the keyboards since age 4, Todd’s dream of being a “rockstar” seemed shattered when he lost his arm and shoulder at 14 years due to an aggressive bone cancer. While undergoing a rigorous 18 months of chemotherapy, Todd kept his mind off of the treatments by pouring himself into the keyboards and re-learning how to play with just one hand. His dedication to overcoming adversity paid off as he has since been featured in national magazines, "coached" David Bryan (the keyboardist of the hugely successful band Bon Jovi) when he lost the tip of his finger, and has gained the attention and respect from many people worldwide. Todd has been interviewed and featured by many media outlets including Huffington Post, and is a major focus in an Amazon best-selling motivational book published in 2013.
Through it all he found his purpose in Christ and shares his story from the stage and at speaking events all over the country to thousands of people every year. His story of hope, overcoming obstacles, and being "whole as is" touches young and old alike and is a reminder that God has a plan and a purpose for everyone.
Recently Todd was invited to speak at Bethany Hamilton's (Soul Surfer) church in HI, and he is also scheduled to speak in June 2013 with acclaimed author Mitch Albom in Philadelphia, PA.
See current schedule HERE
Playing the keyboards since age 4, Todd’s dream of being a “rockstar” seemed shattered when he lost his arm and shoulder at 14 years due to an aggressive bone cancer. While undergoing a rigorous 18 months of chemotherapy, Todd kept his mind off of the treatments by pouring himself into the keyboards and re-learning how to play with just one hand. His dedication to overcoming adversity paid off as he has since been featured in national magazines, "coached" David Bryan (the keyboardist of the hugely successful band Bon Jovi) when he lost the tip of his finger, and has gained the attention and respect from many people worldwide. Todd has been interviewed and featured by many media outlets including Huffington Post, and is a major focus in an Amazon best-selling motivational book published in 2013.
Through it all he found his purpose in Christ and shares his story from the stage and at speaking events all over the country to thousands of people every year. His story of hope, overcoming obstacles, and being "whole as is" touches young and old alike and is a reminder that God has a plan and a purpose for everyone.
Recently Todd was invited to speak at Bethany Hamilton's (Soul Surfer) church in HI, and he is also scheduled to speak in June 2013 with acclaimed author Mitch Albom in Philadelphia, PA.
See current schedule HERE
Have Todd speak at your church or event
Todd speaks at many churches/events and is a great message for all ages. He brings a keyboard and shares the story of when he was young and taking lessons...not understanding why he had to learn notes, scales, etc. while at the same time not understanding why he had to learn certain parts of the Bible. He demonstrates the progression of re-learning to play with one hand and how the things he learned as a kid helped him to achieve that. The same applies to learning God's word and that as time goes on…the things which may not make sense will all matter someday. He then talks about finding his purpose in Christ, and how God has a plan for every single person. He incorporates humor, inspiration, and is relevant to all ages. Todd can accompany your worship team if desired, and can do multiple speaking engagements in the same day/weekend.
Book Todd HERE
Book Todd HERE
See and hear Todd Waites in action
Watch on youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cpFnchBJgHU
Todd's New Endorsement
Todd is so grateful for the recent endorsement deal of 12 Step Pedalboards from Keith McMillen Instruments.
"Keith McMillen is a genius. The bass pedals he invented are much more innovative and compact than traditional pedals" says Todd, "Like the pedals on an organ, you use your feet to play bass and/or keyboard parts...and these pedals take that to a much higher level".
You can learn more about 12 Step pedalboards at http://www.keithmcmillen.com and see Todd using them at a concert/event near you!
"Keith McMillen is a genius. The bass pedals he invented are much more innovative and compact than traditional pedals" says Todd, "Like the pedals on an organ, you use your feet to play bass and/or keyboard parts...and these pedals take that to a much higher level".
You can learn more about 12 Step pedalboards at http://www.keithmcmillen.com and see Todd using them at a concert/event near you!
Honduras Missions Trip - What an amazing life changing event!!!!!
Todd, Seth, and Laura Waites went to Honduras July 21st-28th, thanks to the generous support of friends and family. We spent time at various orphanages and schools there, and we were able to donate 2 keyboards and 1 guitar that we left for them there. We even spent 2 days hand building beds from raw material wood (cutting, sanding, staining) for kids that have never owned a bed before and have slept on concrete floors. Was really quite humbling to see and live in poverty conditions for a week and become a part of their "families" even just for a short time. They are so grateful for what little they have...very inspiring to say the least.
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The book is here!!!!
Todd is honored to be a character in a national 3 book series by author and public speaker (and good friend) Wendy Komac. The series deals in bringing morality and integrity into corporate America and Todd's character is "Tenacious Todd". To see the characters, listen to the soundtrack written/recorded by Todd, and more info click here.
Tribute to Todd's dad
Click below to hear "Not Goodbye" which is a song Todd wrote/recorded for his dad Gerald Waites in 2004 just before he passed away. This is the updated version featuring Seth Waites on guitar.
Vocals by Connor O'Brien |
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