JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — A young man on the First Coast who was in a devastating motorcycle crash two years ago, delivered a speech Friday.
It was no ordinary speech.
In the summer of 2017, Drew Kohn was in a horrible crash on his motorcycle.
He nearly died.
Friday, with the help of a computer, he told his story.
After he was introduced, Kohn started by saying, "I bet you are wondering why is that good-looking man in a wheelchair."
He created the speech with a computer. With the help of artificial intelligence, a voice was created for him. He wrote the speech. The computer voiced it.
His mother, Yolanda Osborne Kohn said, "His voice is not strong enough to carry the air, the wind he needs to carry full paragraphs."
Kohn was in a coma for months after the crash.
"I was on my way to play basketball with friends when I was struck by a vehicle, making an illegal turn," Kohn said during the speech. " Although I was helmeted, my speed may have been a contributing factor as well."
Kohn spoke at Brooks Rehab to a room full of other people who've had brain injuries. He spoke about suicidal thoughts in recovery saying, "I know I would never hurt myself but I also felt useless."
He spoke about forgiving the other driver. "Many family members wanted my parents to sue but looking at the overall facts, they asked the judge to drop the charges. Forgiveness heals emotional wounds."
And he spoke about not giving up. "I still believe God for my full recovery."
After the speech, Kohn even did a question and answer session, by typing the answers onto a computer which voiced his responses.
His mom said he is shy, but since the brain injury, he's speaking in ways he never has and using words she has not heard him use before.
"If he had lived life the way he was going, headed for the NFL," his mother said. "This part of his personality, we would've never seen this part of the usage of this brain."
Kohn is reaching others who are going through pains and sorrows. It was evident from the crowd that people were inspired by his story. He says he does it with help from science and God.
He ended the speech by saying, "I am a modern-day miracle. I am Drew Kohn." The room erupted in applause.