“Ryan Martin” as presented on “Weekend Edition”

Ryan Martin is a 13-year-old boy who was shot in the back and subsequently confined to a wheelchair. While many similar stories focus exclusively on the tragedy of such an event, this story reveals Ryan Martin’s triumph and his adaptation to a new way of life. This excellent program illustrates that even though the body can be crippled, the mind can overcome the limitations of the body. Ryan’s family is also brought into the piece and their support is crucial to his success. Reporter John Hockenberry, similarly confined to a wheelchair, is able to understand the issues that the less knowledgeable reporter might pass over and thus creates a more substantial portrait of the boy and his family. Produced by Jay Kernis, the Ryan Martin story, as presented on National Public Radio’s Weekend Edition, is presented a Peabody.