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One More Step: My Story of Living with Cerebral Palsy, Climbing Kilimanjaro, and Surviving the Hardest Race on Earth
In this exhilarating and inspirational memoir, the first man with cerebral palsy to climb Mount Kilimanjaro and complete the brutal Ironman competition shares the exhilarating adventure that led to his achievements—redefining our ideas of normal and proving that life is never truly limited for any of us. Bonner Paddock summited 19,341 foot-high Mount Kilimanjaro, the world’s tallest freestanding mountain. Four years later, he earned the elite triathlete title, Kona Ironman. Thousands have done each individually. Bonner is the first person with cerebral palsy to do both. Diagnosed in his youth, Bonner swore he wouldn’t let this neurological disorder limit him, and for twenty-nine years he guarded the truth about his health. But the sudden death of a friend’s young son who also suffered from CP forced Bonner to reevaluate his life. No longer would he be content striving for normal. Instead he would live life to its fullest, pursuing one breathtaking experience at a time—while raising money for special needs children along the way—and never turn down a challenge for fear of his physical limitations. His is a remarkable journey that has taken him across the globe and introduced him to a fascinating cast of characters who have supported his inspiring quest. An athlete, adventurer, and philanthropist, Bonner is today no longer defined by his limits, but by the moments that pushed him past them. Infused with his irresistible charisma, courage, and heart, illustrated with 16 pages of color photos, One More Step shows us that we can all conquer our own challenges and embrace every moment life has to offer.
288 pages, Hardcover
First published February 15, 2015
50 people are currently reading
484 people want to read
About the author
Bonner Paddock
1 bookBonner Paddock is the first person with cerebral palsy to summit Mount Kilimanjaro and complete an Ironman competition.
Bonner founded the OM Foundation in 2009, a non-profit to build and support early learning centers for children with all types of disabilities in the U.S. and Africa. He has raised over $1 Million Dollars for special needs children by summiting Mt. Kilimanjaro (unassisted) in 2008 and completing the Ironman World Championship in Kona, Hawaii, in 2012.
Through his foundation and speaking engagements, Bonner promotes the idea that "any one person can make a difference if they dedicate themselves to look beyond their own personal limits to achieve their goals".
In his additional role as Senior Vice President of Marketing and Partnership Activation, Bonner oversees key strategic relationships across all facets including branding, sponsorship, media, activation and marketing platforms for Young's Market Company. Prior to joining Young's Market in 2010, Bonner served with the Anaheim Ducks/Honda Center and was Director of SMG agency. Bonner holds a B.A. from San Diego State University in Business Management.
Bonner founded the OM Foundation in 2009, a non-profit to build and support early learning centers for children with all types of disabilities in the U.S. and Africa. He has raised over $1 Million Dollars for special needs children by summiting Mt. Kilimanjaro (unassisted) in 2008 and completing the Ironman World Championship in Kona, Hawaii, in 2012.
Through his foundation and speaking engagements, Bonner promotes the idea that "any one person can make a difference if they dedicate themselves to look beyond their own personal limits to achieve their goals".
In his additional role as Senior Vice President of Marketing and Partnership Activation, Bonner oversees key strategic relationships across all facets including branding, sponsorship, media, activation and marketing platforms for Young's Market Company. Prior to joining Young's Market in 2010, Bonner served with the Anaheim Ducks/Honda Center and was Director of SMG agency. Bonner holds a B.A. from San Diego State University in Business Management.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
May 2, 2015
You can read my full review for this book in the Winnipeg Free Press.
OK, that's not my FULL review. I disliked this book on a more visceral level that's hard to talk about in a public context. I'm disabled and I have disabled friends. What this book offers is what we call "inspiration porn." It exists so that non disabled (or, as some would say, "temporarily able bodied") people can look and say, "Wow, if a disabled person can do that, imagine what I can do!"
I subscribe to the social model of disability -- that disability is not located in the body but outside of it. What this means is that it is the society and structures around us that disable us. Barriers are what create the disability, not our bodies. A person in a wheelchair is not disabled because they use a wheelchair; they are disabled because the places they want to go to are accessible only by stairs.
Which brings me to the wheelchair issue -- this book (as I noted in my WPF review) contains MULTIPLE instances of the term "wheelchair bound." I am not a wheelchair user but I have good friends who are, and that's how I know that wheelchairs are adaptive technology and not a limiter (again, the limiters are buildings without ramps and elevators). So here's Bonner Paddock, a disability philanthropist who works with kids who use wheelchairs and this is the language he uses? It's baffling and makes me question his engagement with the community he's trying to serve.
I probably would've liked the book more had Paddock interrogated his "passing" as able-bodied (which is something those of us with "invisible" disabilities often do, intentionally or not).
As a disabled person, it's difficult to read lengthy passages about how his training regimen for these athletic feats (out of reach for the majority of non-disabled people) is shredding his body. It's like, dude. There has to be another way to raise money for kids with CP! Most of us disabled folks are just trying to get by, under/unemployed as we are much more statistically prone to be.
Anyway, this book did teach me one lesson: always do some background research on a book before you agree to a review assignment.
OK, that's not my FULL review. I disliked this book on a more visceral level that's hard to talk about in a public context. I'm disabled and I have disabled friends. What this book offers is what we call "inspiration porn." It exists so that non disabled (or, as some would say, "temporarily able bodied") people can look and say, "Wow, if a disabled person can do that, imagine what I can do!"
I subscribe to the social model of disability -- that disability is not located in the body but outside of it. What this means is that it is the society and structures around us that disable us. Barriers are what create the disability, not our bodies. A person in a wheelchair is not disabled because they use a wheelchair; they are disabled because the places they want to go to are accessible only by stairs.
Which brings me to the wheelchair issue -- this book (as I noted in my WPF review) contains MULTIPLE instances of the term "wheelchair bound." I am not a wheelchair user but I have good friends who are, and that's how I know that wheelchairs are adaptive technology and not a limiter (again, the limiters are buildings without ramps and elevators). So here's Bonner Paddock, a disability philanthropist who works with kids who use wheelchairs and this is the language he uses? It's baffling and makes me question his engagement with the community he's trying to serve.
I probably would've liked the book more had Paddock interrogated his "passing" as able-bodied (which is something those of us with "invisible" disabilities often do, intentionally or not).
As a disabled person, it's difficult to read lengthy passages about how his training regimen for these athletic feats (out of reach for the majority of non-disabled people) is shredding his body. It's like, dude. There has to be another way to raise money for kids with CP! Most of us disabled folks are just trying to get by, under/unemployed as we are much more statistically prone to be.
Anyway, this book did teach me one lesson: always do some background research on a book before you agree to a review assignment.
January 3, 2016
Inspirin story of man with Cerebral Palsy who climbs Kilimanjaro and attempts Iron man. More PR than deep autobiography but still a good read.
September 24, 2018
This is an inspiring, motivational book showing the power of embracing pain, making your personal struggles public, owning your disabilities and using your body and talents to help as well as uplift others.
Bonner Paddock spent his life wanting to be normal however through constantly breaking bones and tripping over nothing, it became obvious that something was wrong. After years of going to doctors with various diagnoses, he is finally diagnosed as having cerebral palsy at age eleven. While most people would’ve given up and felt sorry for themselves, Bonner throws himself into leading an active lifestyle and doesn’t tell anyone his secret.
After giving a presentation on his cerebral palsy to the Orange County United Cerebral Palsy Foundation focused on this disease, Bonner receives a email from one of the board members Steve Robert whose young son Jake is suffering from cerebral palsy to a severe degree (immobile and non vocal.)
Steve and Bonner bond while participating in the Orange County Marathon and Steve shared how he hadn’t been able to bond with his four year old son Jake before Bonner’s speech. Steve thanked Bonner for providing a voice for those affected by cerebral palsy and are unable to speak. In addition, Steve asks Bonner what it’s like to have cerebral palsy and for the first time ever, Bonner is brutally honest about his life experiences of being in constant pain on a daily basis.
While Bonner initially planned to run the half marathon distance, he was inspired by the Roberts’ family and Jake’s determination to thrive despite his cerebral palsy. Bonner finishes the race that day and is tired yet happy. That evening, Bonner receives a phone call that Jake has died and this call changes the trajectory of Bonner’s life forever.
After Jake’s memorial service, Bonner decides to honor his memory and bring attention to cerebral palsy by becoming the first person with cerebral palsy to climb Mt. Kilimanjaro. Bonner gathers a group of friends to assist him in the treacherous journey and despite being in unbearable pain at times, he manages to successfully reach the summit of Mt. Kilimanjaro.
Following the success of the Mt. Kilimanjaro climb, Bonner decides to take on another challenge to highlight the plight of children with cerebral palsy by being the first person with cerebral palsy to complete to Ironman race in Hawaii. Through hard work, determination and support from family and friends, Bonner is able to complete the Ironman race before the cut off period.
Bonner’s story is inspiring not only because his ability to embrace pain for the sake of bringing attention to cerebral palsy, he has also taken this effort globally by establishing hospitals in Tanzania for children suffering with cerebral palsy as well.
This book will enlighten you, motivate you and light a fire inside you to make a difference in the world whether it is through participating in sporting events, fundraising events or other means.
Bonner Paddock spent his life wanting to be normal however through constantly breaking bones and tripping over nothing, it became obvious that something was wrong. After years of going to doctors with various diagnoses, he is finally diagnosed as having cerebral palsy at age eleven. While most people would’ve given up and felt sorry for themselves, Bonner throws himself into leading an active lifestyle and doesn’t tell anyone his secret.
After giving a presentation on his cerebral palsy to the Orange County United Cerebral Palsy Foundation focused on this disease, Bonner receives a email from one of the board members Steve Robert whose young son Jake is suffering from cerebral palsy to a severe degree (immobile and non vocal.)
Steve and Bonner bond while participating in the Orange County Marathon and Steve shared how he hadn’t been able to bond with his four year old son Jake before Bonner’s speech. Steve thanked Bonner for providing a voice for those affected by cerebral palsy and are unable to speak. In addition, Steve asks Bonner what it’s like to have cerebral palsy and for the first time ever, Bonner is brutally honest about his life experiences of being in constant pain on a daily basis.
While Bonner initially planned to run the half marathon distance, he was inspired by the Roberts’ family and Jake’s determination to thrive despite his cerebral palsy. Bonner finishes the race that day and is tired yet happy. That evening, Bonner receives a phone call that Jake has died and this call changes the trajectory of Bonner’s life forever.
After Jake’s memorial service, Bonner decides to honor his memory and bring attention to cerebral palsy by becoming the first person with cerebral palsy to climb Mt. Kilimanjaro. Bonner gathers a group of friends to assist him in the treacherous journey and despite being in unbearable pain at times, he manages to successfully reach the summit of Mt. Kilimanjaro.
Following the success of the Mt. Kilimanjaro climb, Bonner decides to take on another challenge to highlight the plight of children with cerebral palsy by being the first person with cerebral palsy to complete to Ironman race in Hawaii. Through hard work, determination and support from family and friends, Bonner is able to complete the Ironman race before the cut off period.
Bonner’s story is inspiring not only because his ability to embrace pain for the sake of bringing attention to cerebral palsy, he has also taken this effort globally by establishing hospitals in Tanzania for children suffering with cerebral palsy as well.
This book will enlighten you, motivate you and light a fire inside you to make a difference in the world whether it is through participating in sporting events, fundraising events or other means.
September 25, 2017
Bascomb didn't need to work magic on this story; Bonner's achievements are powerful within themselves. Nonetheless, the "ghost writer" gives us a gem, a moving & intimate account of Bonner's grappling with CP. The stories are motivating, but I didn't find myself on the edge of my seat until the final chapter. Nonetheless this is a pleasant, fast read which leaves you cheering for those who are daily fighting disease and obstacles.
June 23, 2018
Good fast read with a nice message. Very simply told.
January 7, 2020
The true story of a man with cerebral palsy who climbs Kilimanjaro and completes the Ironman triathlon. Fast read.
October 8, 2023
I'm not normally one for 'inspirational' books- if this is even that, but I cannot recommend this enough. What a wonderful glimpse at the working within your natural limits (cerebral palsy in this case) and stretching them as far as they'll go. Yes, this hits hard as an endurance athlete, but how Paddock was able to pull from his lifelong denial of CP to fuel a larger mission was eye opening to say the least. The narrative never lost footing; often with this books, authors get bogged down in why they are doing something and miss the grueling 'how' of getting it done.
Perhaps most surprising was the mid portion when Paddock understands that his pulling from a hateful childhood simply meant that he had spent the better part of his life with unsatisfied loose ends. A reconciliation with his father, his estranged brother and, ultimately his diagnosis of CP. This book is hope from cover to cover. Time can and does heal all wounds, but only when we work in conjunction with time lest it warp and muddy issues into an unsolvable oblivion.
I laughed, I got goosebumps, and I damn near cried. That's a lot for me anymore as a reader.
The afterword, written by the father of a son whom Paddock drew inspiration from who lost his own son to CP at a young age was flooring. If you are, like me, a habitual skipper of afterwords, this is a must read one.
Neal Bascomb knocked it out of the park in the Bannister biography, but his writing took a more personal and introspective turn here. His ability to change gears and tell this story with the help of Paddock is no small feat (if you've read the Bannister book, you'll know that it's strength draws from a wealth of knowledge and is largely bereft of any emotion or paradigm altering conclusions).
Please read this.
That is all.
Perhaps most surprising was the mid portion when Paddock understands that his pulling from a hateful childhood simply meant that he had spent the better part of his life with unsatisfied loose ends. A reconciliation with his father, his estranged brother and, ultimately his diagnosis of CP. This book is hope from cover to cover. Time can and does heal all wounds, but only when we work in conjunction with time lest it warp and muddy issues into an unsolvable oblivion.
I laughed, I got goosebumps, and I damn near cried. That's a lot for me anymore as a reader.
The afterword, written by the father of a son whom Paddock drew inspiration from who lost his own son to CP at a young age was flooring. If you are, like me, a habitual skipper of afterwords, this is a must read one.
Neal Bascomb knocked it out of the park in the Bannister biography, but his writing took a more personal and introspective turn here. His ability to change gears and tell this story with the help of Paddock is no small feat (if you've read the Bannister book, you'll know that it's strength draws from a wealth of knowledge and is largely bereft of any emotion or paradigm altering conclusions).
Please read this.
That is all.
November 21, 2016
This book is amazing and beautiful, and it will have you flipping pages. This book inspires me and gives me courage when I'm in tough situations in my life. The main strength in this book is courage because it tells you about how one person with disabilities can still be strong enough and have the mindset to do things that are difficult. Reading the author's perspective of life really makes me be thankful , and it wants me to work even harder with courage. Author Bonner Paddock indicated, " I was there to prove to myself that there were no limits to what I could do. I was there to show the world that they should never put limits on children on disabilities. I was there to represent all those people who supported me, to represent the Om Foundation and all the kids it would help. And most of all, I was there to race my race, fight my fight." This made me feel that I can't make excuses for things that I believe I can't do, and it is another reason this book is very good. After I read this book, it made me believe there is no " I can't". If you want a book to inspire you, this book is perfect for you. I recommend this book to everyone.
January 26, 2021
Bonner Paddock has cerebral palsy. He was diagnosed when he was 11. He is determined not to let it limit what he does-he just ignores it as does the rest of his family. When he was about 30 he meets Jake who also has cerebral palsy and dies from it just a short time after they meet. Jake is Bonner's inspiration to reevaluate his life. Bonner starts taking on challenges to prove he can do anything in spite of the limitations of his body. He climbs Mt. Kilimanjaro and becomes a Kona Ironman. He starts a foundation to help children with disabilities.
This book is an inspiration to anyone who reads it. Bonner is frank and honest about what his body goes through with each physical challenge. His story of climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro is riveting He talks about his family dynamics and how his cerebral palsy added to some of the dysfunction in the family.
He never let his cerebral palsy stop him. He is an inspiration to anyone who reads this book. He overcomes challenges and creates bonds that go with him throughout his live
This book is an inspiration to anyone who reads it. Bonner is frank and honest about what his body goes through with each physical challenge. His story of climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro is riveting He talks about his family dynamics and how his cerebral palsy added to some of the dysfunction in the family.
He never let his cerebral palsy stop him. He is an inspiration to anyone who reads this book. He overcomes challenges and creates bonds that go with him throughout his live
November 1, 2020
Two twists of the umbilical cord around his neck at birth resulted in a life with cerebral palsy. Not diagnosed until he was 11, Bonner tried to prove he was a normal kid, with disastrous results. As an adult, after running a half marathon, Bonner briefly met Jake Robert who was the son of a colleague and had a more severe for of CP. When Jakey suddenly died, it forced Bonner to reevaluate his life and face his own CP. He set out to show that having a disability doesn't have to limit you. This is the account of his doing just that by climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro and completing the Iron Man triathlon.
An inspiring read. There are a few places where I felt it was focusing everything on the pain to the body but I guess that needed to be done to show how he pushed himself. I like how it inspired him to want to help others overcome their limitations.
An inspiring read. There are a few places where I felt it was focusing everything on the pain to the body but I guess that needed to be done to show how he pushed himself. I like how it inspired him to want to help others overcome their limitations.
February 1, 2023
One More Step chronicles the journey of the author, Bonner Paddock. He has Cerebral Palsy, though for it is more of a hidden disability than for many with the same condition. He runs races and climbs mountains in an effort to raise awareness and money to help others with CP who need special surgeries. Throughout the book, I felt like I suffered with him as he trained, and accomplished the feats that he set out to do. It was excruciating! Quite honestly, I can't understand why he had to attempt such extreme challenges. I recommend this book to those who like to read about people overcoming obstacles and surviving personal challenges.
January 29, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
One More Step
Let me begin by saying I can recall many times telling myself those exact words “One More Step”
This book is a book of true inspiration. Bonner takes you on a journey through his life living with Cerebral Palsy. Learning to not only accept the Cerebral Palsy but embrace it as part of who his is.
During the NHL lockout he was working for the Anaheim Ducks. They were told that they needed to each find a cause close to them and dedicate time to the cause.
Bonner raised to a whole new level when speaking publicly for the first time and accepting that he had Cerebral Palsy. From there the sky was the limit on who his story would inspire.
His mission is to give those with a disability the hope that they too can conquer hard things.
January 31, 2025
This book made me feel like a lazy fuck.😂 From climbing Mount Kilimanjaro, to the Iron Man triathlon in Hawaii, and to his foundation work. Bonner sets goals and exceeds them. I related to the author because I have a disability that I absolutely didn’t like to talk about as a child to young adult, such as Bonner shied away from talking about CP. Now I have accepted it as who am I am and very open about it.
March 27, 2024
As a Mom of a child with Cerebral Palsy, I was looking for a first hand perspective of what it is like to with on a daily basis. I read this shortly after my son’s diagnosis and it helped fill me with hope of the possibilities of the future for my son. It showed that hard work really pays off in the end and the multiple therapy visits are worth doing.
August 30, 2021
Bonner is amazing. From a childhood in and out of doctors offices to an adult pushing his limits. It was nice that he did not make everything seem easy, that you saw his struggles along with the triumphs!
June 23, 2023
While anyone with half a heart would support the work that is closest to the author's heart, working with the disabled, still the story itself does not cause the reader to want to immerse himself in the adventures detailed. It was an ok tale of adventures but not interestingly related.
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August 24, 2018Inspiring and funny. A book which helped me connect with myself.
July 4, 2019
This was a beautiful read and so inspiring! I’m not about to go climb Kilimanjaro but it was a great lesson in why we each need to “run our own race”. A great read.
September 15, 2019
What are you going to do today? Well written with lots of tidbits for thought and reflection.
February 10, 2020
What endurance & perseverance the author showed! Not only did he accomplish what seemed almost impossible, but in doing so, came to know himself better & to draw closer to his family.
September 25, 2022
This book is etched on my heart and in my soul. Grateful to the author.
May 2, 2015
For me, this book was profound. For the last quarter of a century I've lived every minute of every day in constant pain. Eventually, fully disabled by corrective surgery gone wrong, I know what it's like to try to push past physical limitations and present myself to the world as though I'm perfectly capable and "normal." Like Bonner, I grew up in a family with parents who were often slow or unwilling to acknowledge illness or physical limitations, so I learned to ignore my pain.
"Pain. Deep, uncompromising, constant physical pain, from the arches of my feet up to my back. Not a single day passed without pain. Pain was part of my nature, who I was from the time I was born. Early on in my life- well before there was an explanation for this pain- I learned what to do with it. With no option to live my life without pain, I learned to put it away, to store it in some part of myself, so I could do, and be, in the world."
Those words made me weep. They are my words, my reality, and to live in my world I've learned to "put away" my pain every day. But Bonner doesn't just describe what that's like, he goes on to explore the price we pay when we make a habit of hiding who we are.
But this book isn't really just about Bonner and his struggles, but how, in spite of a staggering disability and nearly insurmountable hurdles, he was able to discover a natural talent and desire for helping others. If you want to read a book that will restore your faith in humanity, this is your book. If you think reading this book will be a walk in the park, you're wrong. It's not. It will (and it should) rip your heart out, multiple times.
Delightfully written with humor and humility, this book and it's colorful cast of characters will stay with me for a very long time.
"Pain. Deep, uncompromising, constant physical pain, from the arches of my feet up to my back. Not a single day passed without pain. Pain was part of my nature, who I was from the time I was born. Early on in my life- well before there was an explanation for this pain- I learned what to do with it. With no option to live my life without pain, I learned to put it away, to store it in some part of myself, so I could do, and be, in the world."
Those words made me weep. They are my words, my reality, and to live in my world I've learned to "put away" my pain every day. But Bonner doesn't just describe what that's like, he goes on to explore the price we pay when we make a habit of hiding who we are.
But this book isn't really just about Bonner and his struggles, but how, in spite of a staggering disability and nearly insurmountable hurdles, he was able to discover a natural talent and desire for helping others. If you want to read a book that will restore your faith in humanity, this is your book. If you think reading this book will be a walk in the park, you're wrong. It's not. It will (and it should) rip your heart out, multiple times.
Delightfully written with humor and humility, this book and it's colorful cast of characters will stay with me for a very long time.
April 21, 2015
Inspirational story of a man with cerebral palsy who climbed Mt. Kilimanjaro and completed the Iron Man World Championship in Hawaii. It also follows his process of accepting his CP and accepting the fact that he is different from other people.
July 27, 2015
Born with CP he became an advocate for kids with CP and climbed Kilimanjaro and did the Ironman triathlon even though it was very difficult with his leg function. His determination and ultimate success was inspiring. Especially interesting to see what kind of training it takes to do Ironman.
June 23, 2015
Non fiction book about a young man with CP climbing one of the tallest mountain in the world and then going on to become an IRON MAN. A very positive writing dealing with the obstacles that you are given and give back to others.
August 30, 2015
The kind of book I always like to come back to: the motivational true story. Bonner Paddock is transparent in his journey from resentment of disability to acceptance. Here is a man who has an incredible story to tell - and someone who is making a real difference for good in his communities.
August 22, 2015
Loved this inspiring story! The writing became a bit stunted here and there, but it was really not a factor for me given how engaged I was in the details of Bonner's life and triumphs. Excellent read for anyone who needs some motivation or inspiration.
December 15, 2015
I loved this book. I identified with much of Bonner's journey and appreciate how he found peace with his past and reached the realization that he had nothing to prove but much to fight. His story is inspiring and truly about living life without limits.
September 22, 2016
This book is good to read about bio. This book has some problems and some happy stories and some sad. The boy never gave up on his life. He fight for his succcess. He had problems on his legs but still he run and never gave up.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 28, 2015
Inspirational, Compelling & Beautiful! I Loved It!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews