Michael Rowell
Michael Rowell
Michael Rowell, a Texas native from McAllen, has always been a force to be reckoned with. After moving to Houston to study Mathematics and Journalism, Michael—an unabashed “Geek” with a capital G—found his calling in tech. Now the Director of Revenue for a robotics company specializing in pipe inspections, Michael’s professional journey is as inspiring as his personal story.
Michael’s love for technology carries over to his hobbies, including creating and hosting immersive games of Dungeons & Dragons. But there’s more to him than tech: as a self-proclaimed foodie, Michael embraces Houston’s vibrant culinary scene, often whipping up mouthwatering dishes like braised short ribs and Italian stuffed shells.
Michael’s story is also one of triumph. Born with both hips dislocated due to Central Core Disease (CCD)—a rare genetic condition that causes muscle weakness—Michael defied the odds. While doctors told him he would never walk after surgeries at 16 and 18 months, a determined two-year-old Michael proved them wrong, walking into his doctor’s office just six months later.
In recent years, Michael has faced new challenges. His ligaments and tendons, overcompensating for systemic muscle weakness caused by the RYR1 gene mutation, have led to increasing mobility issues. Once reliant on a cane, Michael now uses a wheelchair when needed to preserve his joints and continue living life to the fullest.
A Lifelong Dream
Despite the obstacles, Michael has never let his condition define him. Growing up, he dreamed of scuba diving—a passion inspired by growing up at the beach. While he’s snorkeled before, scuba diving remained just out of reach. That is, until now.
Enter Kyle, Michael’s best friend and a retired Navy Academy graduate, whom he met playing video games online. Together, they’ve compiled a scuba diving bucket list that includes:
- Reef diving with sharks
- Cage diving with great whites
- Exploring the Georgia Aquarium
This dream took a giant leap forward when Kyle mentioned Michael’s story to his boss, who happened to know Claudia Ruggerio, a Dive Pirates board member. Claudia invited Michael and Kyle to a Dive Pirates event, and that dinner turned out to be life-changing.
“You always think there’s more time, but my recent diagnosis and transition to using a wheelchair were wake-up calls,” Michael shares. “There’s no time to wait. The invitation to meet the Dive Pirates came at just the right moment.”
Join Michael’s Journey
Now, Michael and Kyle are training with the Dive Pirates team in Houston, preparing for an adventure of a lifetime. Dive Pirates, a nonprofit that empowers individuals with disabilities through adaptive scuba diving, is making Michael’s dream a reality—but they need your help.
Your donation can make a profound difference, not just for Michael but for countless others who face physical challenges yet yearn for adventure. Together, we can support the Dive Pirates mission and show that no dream is out of reach.
Donate today and be a part of Michael’s incredible journey!