Sneak Peek - NBC's Kate Snow Talks to Martin Pistorius in First American Interview Tonight

In an NBC News exclusive, Martin Pistorius spoke with NBC's Kate Snow about his incredible story of survival, in his first-ever American television interview. At the age of 12, an unknown degenerative disease left Pistorius unable to speak or control his movements. Doctors and family believed Pistorius was unaware of his surroundings, and he spent over a decade trapped inside his own body.

Pistorius opened up to Snow about his remarkable recovery and experience regaining consciousness. He and his wife Joanna shared personal details about finding love and their hopes for the future. Pistorious recounted his emotional journey in his 2011 memoir, "Ghost Boy: The Miraculous Escape of a Misdiagnosed Boy Trapped Inside His Own Body."

Pistorius' parents Rodney and Joan also spoke out to NBC News. The interview will air tonight, Thursday, January 29 on NBC's TODAY. An additional interview will air tomorrow on NBC NIGHTLY NEWS with Brian Williams. Excerpts from the interview follow. If used, mandatory credit NBC News with airdate of Thursday, January 29.

KATE SNOW:

What do you want people to take from your story?

MARTIN PISTORIUS:

Treat everyone with kindness, dignity, compassion and respect-- irrespective of whether you think they understand or not. To never underestimate the power of the mind, the importance of love and faith, and to never stop dreaming. I think my biggest hope with 'Ghost Boy' is that it could make a difference to someone in some way.

KATE SNOW:

Do you think you have an ability to see the world differently than the rest of us do?

MARTIN PISTORIUS:

Perhaps. I think having been through what I have, I probably have a somewhat unique perspective on life. I appreciate things a lot. The simple things like simply being able to have a conversation, to lie comfortable, the excitement and sometimes fear that experiencing something for the first time, to have someone to share your life with, simply to cherish life.

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