Born and raised in rural Denison, Iowa, Dr. Jerry "Doc" Strissel had to deal with life-threatening circumstances when polio took away his ability to use one leg at an early age. Although heartbreaking at the time, this defeat generated a motivation that influenced the author's lifelong path. His numerous trips unlocked the door for a global community of corn breeders that now includes South Africa, Argentina, Turkey, Mexico, and the USA. Innovative products in the fields of food, fish farming, ethanol, fuel for aircraft, and animal feed were born out of this partnership. Beyond his remarkable career projects, Dr. Jerry's wedding to Denver-native Dorothy brought prosperity into his personal life. Raising three daughters together, they extended their family, which today includes two grandsons and eleven granddaughters, demonstrating the lasting qualities of families that have shaped Strissel's incredible journey.