Being abandoned by both parents makes it difficult for anyone to believe in themselves or survive. Roderick “Odd Rod” Borisade uses his survival story to inspire others to persevere. Having a drug-addicted mother with a severe drug addiction and a father who disowned him, Rod suffered from depression as a teen before the death of his brother caused him to consider taking his life. He was able to overcome his suicidal thoughts by writing out his emotions. He's been performing and presenting his life's journey in storytelling and poetry across the nation since 2013.