About Todd Waites
"There's only one arm in charm" - J. Jackson
Todd Waites is not only a survivor...but a THRIVER. After losing his right arm to cancer at 14 years old, he has made the most of his life and is on a mission to encourage others to do the same. The father of 2 grown children and a young stepson, Todd has toured across the country as a professional keyboard player and has played over 1,000 live shows since losing his arm. He's been featured in national magazines, is a key character called "Tenacious Todd" in an internationally released Amazon best-seller motivational book, has written/recorded several songs including soundtracks and jingles, and has performed speaking engagements at various venues. A real honor for Todd was when he was able to give some keyboard playing tips to Bon Jovi's keyboardist David Bryan when he lost the tip of his finger. Says Todd, "David Bryan was extremely friendly and even wrote me a letter of recommendation. It was surreal at first to talk to him, but after a few minutes he made me feel at ease...he is just a normal guy who happens to play in one of the hugest bands from my era!"
Whether from seeing him and his energetic stage show live in concert, watching him speak at an event, reading about him, or just meeting him on the street...Todd Waites has gained quite a national fan following. When asked how he feels about the attention, Todd replies "While it is extremely flattering and a blessing to hear that people get inspired by me, the reality is that first of all...it's the Christ in me that is inspiring...and secondly I am the one totally inspired by THEM. There are so many amazing stories of inspiration that I get to hear...so many unsung heroes out there that have been through way more than me and have done so much more than I have despite adversity".
Speaking of people that inspire others, Todd has known fellow one armed musician Rick Allen from Def Leppard since the mid-90's and they have remained close ever since. "Rick is an amazing guy...and so incredibly humble. The guy joined Def Leppard when he was 14 and has been famous worldwide ever since...but yet is one of the most sincere, nicest people you will ever meet. And so amazingly talented. He knows my kids and has seen them grow up from a very young age to where they are now, and is just a total stand up guy. Throughout all of these years I don't know if I have ever seen Rick not smiling...he truly loves life" says Todd. "Rick lost his arm in a car accident and the rock and roll world watched one of the greatest comebacks of all time. He is a true rockstar...but I was first...I lost my arm two years before he did!"
Todd's winning yet humble attitude, funny and energetic personality, drive and real compassion for his fellow man make him a person that people just naturally gravitate to, and one that is infectious to be around. He is hopeful that this site will encourage others to encourage others...creating a rippling effect of hope and inspiration.
Todd Waites is not only a survivor...but a THRIVER. After losing his right arm to cancer at 14 years old, he has made the most of his life and is on a mission to encourage others to do the same. The father of 2 grown children and a young stepson, Todd has toured across the country as a professional keyboard player and has played over 1,000 live shows since losing his arm. He's been featured in national magazines, is a key character called "Tenacious Todd" in an internationally released Amazon best-seller motivational book, has written/recorded several songs including soundtracks and jingles, and has performed speaking engagements at various venues. A real honor for Todd was when he was able to give some keyboard playing tips to Bon Jovi's keyboardist David Bryan when he lost the tip of his finger. Says Todd, "David Bryan was extremely friendly and even wrote me a letter of recommendation. It was surreal at first to talk to him, but after a few minutes he made me feel at ease...he is just a normal guy who happens to play in one of the hugest bands from my era!"
Whether from seeing him and his energetic stage show live in concert, watching him speak at an event, reading about him, or just meeting him on the street...Todd Waites has gained quite a national fan following. When asked how he feels about the attention, Todd replies "While it is extremely flattering and a blessing to hear that people get inspired by me, the reality is that first of all...it's the Christ in me that is inspiring...and secondly I am the one totally inspired by THEM. There are so many amazing stories of inspiration that I get to hear...so many unsung heroes out there that have been through way more than me and have done so much more than I have despite adversity".
Speaking of people that inspire others, Todd has known fellow one armed musician Rick Allen from Def Leppard since the mid-90's and they have remained close ever since. "Rick is an amazing guy...and so incredibly humble. The guy joined Def Leppard when he was 14 and has been famous worldwide ever since...but yet is one of the most sincere, nicest people you will ever meet. And so amazingly talented. He knows my kids and has seen them grow up from a very young age to where they are now, and is just a total stand up guy. Throughout all of these years I don't know if I have ever seen Rick not smiling...he truly loves life" says Todd. "Rick lost his arm in a car accident and the rock and roll world watched one of the greatest comebacks of all time. He is a true rockstar...but I was first...I lost my arm two years before he did!"
Todd's winning yet humble attitude, funny and energetic personality, drive and real compassion for his fellow man make him a person that people just naturally gravitate to, and one that is infectious to be around. He is hopeful that this site will encourage others to encourage others...creating a rippling effect of hope and inspiration.