When Martrell Stevens was just four years old, a stray bullet changed the course of his life. Caught in crossfire on Chicago’s South Side, he was left paralyzed from the waist down. But tragedy did not define him. Instead, he transformed unimaginable hardship—and the challenges that could have easily derailed his future—into the foundation of his remarkable journey forward.
That resilience showed up early. By the time Martrell reached middle school, his drive to succeed—combined with his strong spirit, discipline, and resolve, was evident in the classroom and beyond, strengthened by the support of family and his community. Always motivated and active, he loved sports and was eager to practice but needed a space where he could make that happen.
Then, came another moment of connection—an act of kindness - that became a turning point. In 2016, Brad Edwards, then with CBS Chicago, had recently completed a story highlighting the work of Devices 4 the Disabled. When he learned about Martrell's journey, he reached out to D4D—and together, they surprised Martrell with a basketball hoop for his backyard.
That hoop—a way to help him stay active and rediscover his love for sports—opened the door to something extraordinary. Through hours of practice, perseverance, and passion, Martrell discovered not just the sport of wheelchair basketball, but also the true gift of his own skill, talent, and determination. When D4D Founding Director Bob Shea met Martrell for the first time when the hoop was being built, he said, "That kid's a winner." His statement couldn't be more true. Martrell defines what it means to be a true winner.
His hard work carried over to school, where he graduated valedictorian of his eight grade class. From there, Martrell's dedication on and off the court took him to new heights. He became a standout athlete in wheelchair basketball, earning a place at the University of Illinois (U of I), home to one of the nation's most competitive programs.
At U of I, Martrell thrived as both a student and an athlete. He graduated this year, earning his degree in Recreation, Sport, and Tourism: Sport Management. As team captain, he helped lead the team to national competitions, being named MVP for the 2024-25 season, First Team All-American, and the recipient of multiple other awards recognizing his leadership and talent. other awards and recognition that reflect his leadership and talent.
Today, Martell is pursuing a Master's degree at U of I and plays on Team USA's Wheelchair Basketball Team, where he helped secure a bronze metal for the U.S. Men's 3x3 Team earlier this year, scoring the game-tying buzzer-beater and the winning 2-point shot!
Beyond the court, Martrell continues to inspire. He mentors youth in his community, visiting schools and participating in events—encouraging young athletes and kids to "dream bigger than their circumstances." He often talks about how wheelchair basketball changed his life, giving him purpose, lifelong friendships, and a platform to give back. His dream is to play professionally and one day represent the United States at the 2028 Paralympic Games in Los Angeles.
As Martrell puts it, "Make the most of life. Keep moving forward, and use every opportunity you have. Give it your all no matter what."
Martrell lives remarkably and embodies the values of Devices 4 the Disabled—advancing mobility, independence, freedom, and dignity for a more inclusive community. For his incredible resilience, purposeful leadership, advocacy, and service, Devices 4 the Disabled proudly named Martrell Stevens our 2025 Ed Kane Person of the Year at the Our Cause 4 Celebration event, presented by Ed's wife, Sue Kane.
As D4D Board Member said to then 12-year old Martrell, "we're here for you." And we are so proud of Martrell—and we're excited to see what comes next as he continues to make a lasting impact on others and his community. He reminds us that mobility doesn't just change how we move — it changes how we live, connect, and inspire others.