Thomas Exler

Founder, Leader, Mentor

Pittsburgh, PA

About Thomas Exler

Thomas is the founder of Courage to Shine™, a program celebrating individuals who turn their medical challenges into personal triumphs. He also serves as Vice President of the Association for the Bladder Exstrophy Community (A-BE-C) and has mentored countless young people through the Youth Rally and global patient-support organizations.

Thomas Exler Speaking Profile

Turning Challenges Into Courage, and Courage Into Community

Thomas Exler is living proof that adversity can become a superpower. Born with bladder exstrophy—a rare condition requiring multiple surgeries and lifelong medical care—Thomas could have let his diagnosis define him. Instead, he turned it into fuel. Fueled by resilience, grounded by his Catholic faith, and inspired by the compassion he grew up with, Thomas transformed his personal journey into a global mission of hope.

From the start, Thomas learned that strength isn’t just physical—it’s spiritual. Raised in a warm, faith-filled family, he discovered early on that every challenge comes with an opportunity to grow. That belief carried him through hospital rooms, operating tables, and countless moments of uncertainty. And out of those challenges, something powerful emerged: an unstoppable desire to help others find their own courage.

Today, Thomas is known around the world as a speaker, storyteller, and unapologetic champion for individuals and families facing genitourinary conditions. He doesn’t just talk about resilience—he radiates it. His message is simple, heartfelt, and unforgettable: you are never alone, and your story has meaning.

💬What People Say

“Thomas doesn’t just inspire—he empowers.”
“He made us laugh, cry, and believe in ourselves again.”
“For the first time, we saw our son’s future with hope.”

🎤 Why Audiences Love Him

Warm, funny, and easy to relate to

A storyteller with real heart

Brings faith, resilience, and humor together

Leaves audiences feeling uplifted, connected, and stronger

Thomas Exler Preferred Taglone/Quote

I often tell people: “Life is not about the gifts you’re given, but how you use them.” That belief has guided me through every step of this journey.

Thomas Exler Core Message

“Life isn’t defined by what happens to us—it's shaped by the courage, grace, and hope we carry forward.”

More about Thomas Exler

Speaking Experience:
Fee Range: $250-2,000 plus Transportation Cost

Empowering Christian voices worldwide

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+1 740-275-7737

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Empowering Christian voices worldwide

Our Location

68 Connie Street,
Steubenville, 43952

+1 740-275-7737

Like and subscribe to the Bold Brave Believers podcast with Kate Bays & Shari Jo Watkins