|
|
The Unbreakable Spirit: Tom Sullivan on Leadership, Courage & Overcoming Adversity
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Wellington, FL – August 29, 2025
Imagine being a young student, frustrated and angry at the world… only to have Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. sit across from you and change your perspective forever.
That moment shaped Tom Sullivan’s life — pushing him to turn blindness into brilliance, obstacles into opportunities, and challenges into leadership.
The Kevin Babington Foundation (KBF) is thrilled to announce a special episode of The MAC Express featuring the incomparable Tom Sullivan—recording artist, Broadway and television performer, best-selling author, nationally recognized athlete, and tireless advocate for disability awareness.
Most weeks, The MAC Express dives deep into show jumping and the people who power our sport. This week’s conversation stretches beyond the arena while landing squarely on what matters most to KBF: Leadership, Courage and Overcoming Obstacles.
“Tom’s story reminds us that true vision comes from conviction,” said Jeff Papows, Chairman of the Kevin Babington Foundation. “His life’s work mirrors our mission: turning setbacks into fuel, and obstacles into opportunities. Listeners will walk away inspired—and armed with practical wisdom.”
Listen on Apple Podcasts: Click Here
Listen on the Kevin Babington Foundation Website: Click Here
Listen on the Silver Oak Jumper Tournament Website: Click Here
Listen on Spotify: Click Here
|
 |
|
Born prematurely and losing his sight at birth, Tom Sullivan never let limitation define him. Instead, he built an extraordinary life across music, stage, television, sports, and advocacy—living proof that grit and purpose can rewrite any script. The conversation connects directly to the spirit of Kevin, Kim, and Johnathon—and to every equestrian who’s ever fought back after a fall.
Inside the Episode
Host Michael Cruciotti guides a fast-moving, heart-centered conversation built around three themes:
-
Leadership — What leadership really means when the spotlight is on…or off.
-
Courage — Acting when fear is real, and how to stretch beyond reasonable expectations.
-
Overcoming Obstacles — Practical frameworks for meeting adversity head-on and rising above it.
Listeners will hear Tom’s personal playbook—how he reframes setbacks, leads across different arenas, and translates courage into daily action. Each section ties back to lessons for riders, teams, and families across our community.
Listen & Share
The episode is now live on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and wherever you get your podcasts.
Listen on Apple Podcasts: Click Here
Listen on the Kevin Babington Foundation Website: Click Here
Listen on the Silver Oak Jumper Tournament Website: Click Here
Listen on Spotify: Click Here
Tune in, share with your barn, and keep the conversation going about safety, recovery, and the mindset that moves us forward.
|
|
|
|
A Few of Tom’s Videos and Appearances
|
|
|
 |
|
Tom Sings the National Anthem at Super Bowl X
|
|
|
 |
|
Tom Alongside Robin Williams in Mork & Mindy
|
|
 |
|
Tom: Blind Entertainer, Author & Inspirational Speaker
|
|
|
|
Check Out Our New Merch Store!
|
|
|
 |
Official Ride For Kevin Hat Black
|
|
Show your support for the Kevin Babington Foundation with this officially licensed #RideForKevin hat. Crafted with quality and care by Authentic Equestrian, this hat is a symbol of unity, resilience, and dedication to the equestrian community.
|
|
Price: $55.00
|
| Shop Now |
|
|
 |
Official Ride For Kevin Hat White
|
|
Show your support for the Kevin Babington Foundation with this officially licensed #RideForKevin hat. Crafted with quality and care by Authentic Equestrian, this hat is a symbol of unity, resilience, and dedication to the equestrian community.
|
|
Price $55.00
|
| Shop Now |
|
 |
I Ride For Kevin Safety Vest by Seaver
|
|
|
|
Now Available!!!
|
| Shop Now |
|
|
|
|
|
Interested in Hosting a Babington Benefit Class or an Inspirational Speaker Event? Click below to learn more!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
About Kevin Babington Foundation:
In late August 2019, Kevin experienced a life-altering moment when he suffered a complete spinal cord injury following a fall during the 2019 Grand Prix at the Hampton Classic Horse Show in Bridgehampton, NY, United States. In early September, Kevin underwent a critical surgery to stabilize the vertebrae in his neck. By mid-October of that same year, he had made significant progress, transitioning from relying on a ventilator for breathing to facing the challenge of being paralyzed from the neck down. Remarkably, just two months later, Kevin began teaching from his wheelchair. Today, he remains on a determined journey, actively participating in experimental stem cell therapy, holding onto the hope of regaining movement below the neck.
This life-altering event marked the inception of the Kevin Babington Foundation, which was established in 2019. Kevin Babington Foundation (KBF) has been created to provide funding and support for Equestrian Show Jumping Athletes who sustain spinal injuries. In addition to providing financial assistance the foundation will also strive to educate riders, trainers and show organizers about the most current safety measures designed to reduce the risk of serious injuries which can occur while riding.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
