About Rivers - from his mother, Bridget Simpson

Rivers is an adventuresome young man with type 2 Spinal Muscular atrophy. He's a junior at LSU, has navigated living on his own & taken on college life like no other. He takes on the daily challenges of living with a disability with incredible strength, patience and grace. His go to saying is "well if there's not much you can do about it, you might as well make the best of it." He lives for sports and hardly ever misses the opportunity to attend as many LSU football, baseball or basketball games as he can.

I asked a couple of his close friends who couldn't be here how they would describe Rivers and this is what they said.

"Rivers is selfless. He's always putting others before himself and willing to be there for anyone when needed. He has a good outlook on life and surrounds himself with the people that will bring him up. He's good company because he keeps good company." "Rivers is ambitious, knowledgeable and 'witty' (not sure smart ass is an appropriate descriptor for this "inspirational recipient", so I'm going with witty." 😂 "When I think of Rivers, I think of a refined gentleman who embodies joy, He's the perfect model for hope. Talking to Rivers instantly makes me happier and to constant laughter. He's loyal, accountable and honorable. I'm blessed to have a great friend like Rivers and thankful for the way he has helped me grow both in virtue and in faith."

His dad says he's tremendous, has amazing fortitude and desire. As his mom I say he truly is inspirational. He is a man of God, he has this inner light that shines for all who meet him to encounter and whose strength of character, humility and sense of self are a daily reminder of the better person I strive to be.

He gives his father and myself so many reasons to be proud, but the proudest moment for us is telling others HE IS OUR SON.