"Everyone has the right to change one's own lifestyle."       Stevie's fortune cookie fortune he left for all of us
 
Steven Paul Montes came into this world fighting for his life.  He was a born champion and a miracle. It's almost as if he made a pact with God in his incubator that if the Lord thought him worthy he would do something good with his disabilities.  Steven Montes was born two months prematurely.  His lungs were not completely developed, he had two club-feet and he suffered from craniosynostosis, a condition causing his skull to fuse prematurley.  Stevie as he was affectionately referred to had three surgeries by the time he was a year old.  Doctors told Stevie he wouldn't walk but he did and then he danced and then he played sports.  He had no limits from his disabilities that would limit the most ambitious of us all.  Stevie was also an intellect.  He had a passion for reading.  His passion lead him to graduate with high honors from both La Habra High School and Cal State Fullerton.  He also loved to pass knowledge on and was in charge of educational programs at the La Habra Children's Museum as the Outreach and Volunteer Coordinator. Stevie believed and professed that you have the power to change.  He never felt at a disadvantage, he looked at other people with disabilities and said, "I'm ok, it could be worse".  This is truly the attitude of a champion, one whose character is tested when things go wrong not when everything is going your way.  Stevie had it harder than most but he made it look easy.  Those of us more fortunate than Stevie were inspired by him when it should have been the other way around.  Stevie is still impacting other peoples lives with his wish of organ donation.  We want you to rest in peace Stevie but we won't let the spirit you left behind rest.  Thanks for the life's lessons.....
From those you've touched.