LAUREL, Del.- Johnny Hudson was born without arms or legs, but he still manages to get around.
He uses his foot, attached to where his knee should be, to maneuver a joystick for his steering wheel.
"The challenging part was actually getting the vehicle," said Hudson.
A vehicle that he drove Friday, by himself, to Laurel Intermediate School in Sussex County.
He spoke to the kids about hope and never giving up on life.
"We all have to accept the way we're born because we can't change it," said Hudson.
Hudson also talked to kids about suicide.
"It's a taboo. We're not talking about it. We're not educating our young people that it's OK to be yourself. It's OK to be liked. It's OK to like yourself. We're not teaching about the statistics on suicide," said Hudson.
Hudson said kids as young as 5-years-old have committed suicide.
Pastor C. K. White said Hudson has never been one to give up on life.
The two met in college more than 10 years ago.
"If anyone would have a reason to quit or give up on life it would be someone like a Johnny, but he's not. he kept going," said White.
"We think that we're OK, but really there's an epidemic of suicide happening. My goal is to go around and teach the statistics so that we can rise above it," said Hudson.
Hudson said he used his faith to rise above his disability.
"Life is too precious," he said. "We can overcome the moment that we're in now and still be and live a successful life."
He hopes others can -- and will -- do the same.
For more information on Johnny Hudson, log onto www.johnnyhudson.com.
Johnny Hudson is shown speaking Friday, Oct. 12, 2012. (Photo: WBOC)
