In 2005 Harsh Thakkar had just started classes at the University of Maryland, Baltimore when he was robbed and shot, leaving him paralyzed at T12-L1. A strong athlete in high school he rediscovered his athletic identity through adaptive sports. He would finish his degree at Edinboro University, where he got a scholarship to play wheelchair basketball. He currently plays for the NRH Punishers and also leads programs through his role at the National Rehabilitation Hospital.