BIOGRAPHY-Robert Michael HenselBorn: May 8, 1969Birthplace: Rota, SpainParents:Mother-Linda Helen Conzone and father-Robert John HenselHometown: Oswego, New YorkRobert M. Hensel is born with a birth defect known as Spina bifida. A disability that did not prevent him from achieving success in his life. Robert is a disability advocate, an ongoing effort to improve the rights of all Americans with disabilities. He is an international poet-writer with over 900 publications published worldwide. In 2000 Robert was named one of the best poets of the 20th century. Just recently, he was nominated for the Pushcart Prize, an award given to outstanding poets and writers. Robert is also the Guinness & Ripley world record holder for the longest non-stop wheelie in a wheelchair, covering a total distance of 6,178 miles. The reason for his record was to help raise money for wheelchair ramps throughout his community. Roberts' journey definitely doesn't stop here. In October 2006, Robert was asked to carry the torch for the 2006 Asian Games. It is said that he was the only one chosen among thousands of other celebrities across the United States to achieve such an honor. Much of Mr. Hensel's accomplishments have recently found a permanent home within the walls of the Disability History Museum for others to appreciate and learn from. The Disability History Museum is the only one of its kind and displays artifacts and achievements related to some of the most important disabled figures of our time, such as Helen Keller and many others. The Museum is located in Buffalo, New York. AWARDS AND RECOGNITIONS -*Founder of Beyond Limitations Week.*Spokesperson for Athletes For Hope.*Nominated as one of the best poets of the 20th century.*Inscribed in the Museum of Disability History, located in Buffalo, New York.*Nominated for the Push Cart Prize for Poetry.*Editors Choice Award in 1996, 1997, 2000, and 2007.*New York State Assembly Excelsior Award for Excellence.*New York Senate Certificate of Merit.*State Certified of Commendation from the New York Executive Chamber.*Guinness World Record Holder.*Ripley's World Record Holder.*Invited to Carry the Torch for the 2006 Asian Games.*Nominated as International Professional of the Year for 2007." From the International Biographical Center at Cambridge, England.*Included in the Dictionary of International Biography.