Inspirational Stories

Fifth grade musician with prosthetic honors late father by playing violin

The Northside Independent School District says they have a legendary student that walks the halls of Villarreal Elementary, inspiring others through a positive attitude and passion for music.

His name is Kevin Gonzalez, a 5th grader.

Gonzalez isn’t like most kids. Instead of immediately heading home after the last bell rings, he’s putting in a lot of after-school hours to learn to play the violin.

Experience: I design my own prosthetic limbs

Having one arm hasn’t stopped me enjoying a daredevil lifestyle: mountain biking, karate, motorbikes – I’ve done them all

An interview with Dmitry Knyazev on amputee diving

Dmitry Knyazev has been a DDI Instructor and an inspirational member of our organisation since 2016. Since becoming a disabled diving instructor, Dmitry has been on a quest to get as many people with disabilities in the water as possible and has been a true ambassador for disabled diving, especially for divers in Russia. 

In 2015 he created the Open Water Challenge project. The goal of his project is to create motivational stories about how people with disabilities overcome the limits of their reality. As Dmitry was already an avid professional diver, he chose diving as the challenge. Each project participant has their own challenge and purpose for taking part. Dmitry documents the progression and triumphs of his divers through filming and photo galleries.

Amputee chef got a 2nd chance at life after near-deadly accident

After a gruesome accident, over a dozen surgeries and an amputation that removed his left hand, chef Eduardo Garcia is back in the kitchen.

Teenage dancer took huge decision to be free from horrific pains

A teenage girl is following her dream of dancing only nine months after having one of her legs amputated. Ruby Bryan made the decision to have one leg removed below the knee after a childhood of modified footwear and countless operations. 

Naples Amputee Guitarist Inspires Musicians Through ‘JamFest’

This weekend, musicians of all skill levels and anyone wanting to listen to them are invited to “JamFest.” The event is already changing lives, thanks to the inspiring man who started it.

Amputee Golfer Reflects On His Encounter With Tiger Woods, 'My Favorite Moment Of My Life'

As he prepared to hit his shot, Luke paused—a man with a plan. Ever since doctors amputated his right leg above the knee at age 15 because of bone cancer, he's been playing golf one-legged, and he wasn't about to hit this shot any different. With all eyes on him, he removed his prosthetic leg, and—to general astonishment—handed it to Tiger Woods. 

How Double Amputee Cedric King Inspired The Carolina Panthers

In Kandahar, Afghanistan, 1st Sgt. Cedric King of the 82nd Airborne was walking a patrol that would alter the trajectory of his life. In the course of his patrol, Sgt. King stepped on an improvised explosive device (IED) that detonated beneath his feet. He spent eight days in a coma, awakening to find he’d lost both legs in the explosion. Broken in mind and body, he connected with the Panthers and head coach Ron Rivera — and found new purpose and new meaning to his life. 

Colorado Springs Man Undergoes Amputation After Night On Frigid 14er

There’s always a level of danger present in high-altitude mountaineering, especially as winter weather hits. Nick Noland, of Colorado Springs, experienced the full force of this risk on Oct. 22, when a dusk descent of 14,232-foot Mount Shavano left him lost and stranded on the peak overnight.

9 years after Losing Both Legs in Afghanistan, Found Purpose in Family, Friends and Inspiring Others

For nearly a decade, Jones, 33, has told his story to thousands of people, given motivational speeches to NFL teams and acted alongside a three-time Academy Award-winning actor.

Inspirational Connection: Boiling Springs Grad Tells Her Story in Nike “Sport Changes Everything”

Amy Bream is the first person to tell you she’s never considered herself athletic. That makes it all the more “surreal,” to use her words, that she’s featured in a video for Nike’s “Sport Changes Everything” campaign.

Man Opens Up About Losing Limbs After Rare Case of Strep Throat

A Michigan man who became a quadruple amputee after he developed an extremely rare form of strep throat is crediting his positive outlook and determination — and his wife — for returning to an active lifestyle.

This Duck Was Meant to Fly: The Inspiring Story of Anaheim's 21st Player

"Part of my motto is to always stay positive and to look at the brightest side possible," Lera said. "You should always surround yourself with good people who care about you and your life."

Double Amputee Breaks Half-Marathon Record, Inspires Many

The 38th Annual Wineglass Marathon showcased the very best of courage and strength. Those traits were visibly on display across the face of half-marathon record-breaking winner Brian Reynolds as he made his way toward the finish line on Market Street.

Amputee Woman Recreates Iconic Cinderella Scene with Gorgeous Glass Prosthetic Arm

A woman who is missing part of her arm became fed up with a lack of amputee representation in media, so she decided to create her own — and the result has warmed the hearts of thousands. 

9-year-old Double-Amputee Walks The Runway at New York Fashion Week

New York Fashion Week is in full swing, and Daisy-May Demetre just made a big debut that will stand the test of time. Demetre is a 9-year-old double-amputee model who walked on the runway during the Lulu et Gigi show on Sunday.

Teen Double Amputee Throws Touchdown at Lions Practice

Quarterback Matthew Stafford normally leads the Lions in the huddle, but that changed Friday when he surprised 14-year-old Calder Hodge with an opportunity to take a snap during an intrasquad scrimmage at Ford Field. Hodge, who was born with fibular hemimelia, which left his body without tibia bones in his legs, threw a perfect fade route to wide receiver Marvin Jones in the back of the end zone.

Boy With No Arms Goes Viral After Completing Box Jump

A youngster without arms has inspired the internet and melted thousands of hearts by overcoming his fears to complete a box-jump challenge.

Indian Motorcycle, Military Veterans Partner on Ride to Sturgis

Indian Motorcycle announced its continuing support and sponsorship of the fifth annual Veterans Charity Ride to Sturgis. The veteran operated non-profit organization uses “motorcycle therapy” to help fellow veterans readjust to civilian life. 

See the Performance, Not The Disability

“You’ll able to see the disability with some people,” Fong said. “With some, you won’t be able to see the disability. But either way, you’ll see people enjoying what they do.”

A Woman Will Soon Be Reunited With The Prosthetic Leg She Lost On Panama City Beach

The mystery over who owns the prosthetic leg that washed up on Panama City Beach on Monday has been solved, thanks to a call on social media.

Surgeon Transforms Amputees' Mobility by Melding Bone and Metal

Born in Iraq before fleeing to Australia, Dr. Munjed Al Muderis is a pioneer in the field of osseointegration. 

Sidelined by Amputation and Cancer, Runner Will Serve With 'Vital' Volunteers at Lincoln Marathon

The Kentucky woman will still be at this year’s marathon as a volunteer, either cheering runners on at an aid station or draping medals over the necks of finishers.

10 Things Amputees and People With Limb Differences Want You to Know

Everyone’s story is different.

Decorated Veteran Who Lost Legs In War Inspires As He Teaches

A double amputee U.S. Army veteran hasn't let the loss of his legs stop him from spreading messages of hope inspiration for everyone. 

Double Amputee Veteran Inspiring East Tennessee Runners

In 2008, Jones served in Iraq as a United States Marine. While serving, Jones was wounded in action by an IED, having to get both legs amputated. But nothing could stop this veteran. In the following years, he earned a bronze medal in rowing during the 2012 Paralympics.

Second Local Double Amputee, Military Veteran Climbs Manitou Incline

Former Army Staff Sgt. proved his strength Friday by climbing the steep Manitou Incline despite the loss of his legs.

Amputee Football’s Inspiring Impact

Amputee football is growing in popularity across the world. In Scotland, backing from the national association is helping spread the word. We hear from two amputee footballers on the game’s life-changing impact.

Double Amputee U.S. Army Veteran Inspires Local Students

A veteran and double amputee "dropped" into a local middle school to share his inspiring story with students.

Barbie Is Now in a Wheelchair and Has a Prosthetic Leg

Now six decades old, Barbie is a lot different than she used to be. That is, there's no one way Barbie looks now. Mattel announced new additions to the Fashionista line on February 11, adding Barbies with braided hair textures, new body types, and disabilities.

Double Amputee Overcomes Challenges, Bowls a Perfect 300

A Pascagoula man is proving that physical challenges can be overcome and he’s inspiring others along the way. 

Double amputee US Army Vet Set To Run In Disney Marathon Shares Inspiring Message

From hardships to triumph, nothing is stopping a retired U.S. Army Specialist from hitting the pavement and proving anything is possible.

Adventurous Amputee Inspiring Others To Reach Lofty Goals

Recovering from a traumatic injury can be so daunting, sometimes people just give up – not Darryl Partridge. His athletic accomplishments after undergoing amputation to one of his legs is inspiring.

Double Amputee U.S. Army Veteran Inspires Local Students

A veteran and double amputee "dropped" into a local middle school to share his inspiring story with students.  Sgt. 1st Class Dana Bowman skydived into Oldham County Middle School Friday morning. While his ability to land right on the school's soccer field was impressive -- it's his story that's captivating students and veterans around the country.

Inspiring Quadruple Amputee Set To Take On One Of Africa's Biggest Mountains

Alex Lewis is taking on Ras Dashen mountain: a grueling, 4,620-meter scramble up Ethiopia's highest mountain - an impressive feat for any hiker. However, this story has an extra special element. Lewis is a quadruple amputee and will be tackling the mountain on a bespoke hand-pedal buggy.

The Power of Amputee Marathon Runners

Forty-two years ago, an American salesman called Dick Traum ran his way into the history books. At the age of 36, after losing his right leg in an accident, he became the first amputee to complete a marathon.

Veteran and Amputee Inspires With Each Death-defying climb

Kirstie Ennis is on a mission to become the first female amputee to climb the highest peaks on every continent. She's well on her way to accomplishing her latest mission.

Women Who Lost Her Leg in a Hit and Run Refuses to Let Being a Amputee Hold Her Back From Surfing

On 28 December 2016, in a small town called Poulsbo, Sarah Dean was hit by a car traveling 60mph. She was thrown over a guardrail down into a small river underneath the highway and woke up in the stream with yellow and brown leaves stuck on her wet, bleeding body. Sarah was convinced she was going to die.

Triple amputee Army veteran making record motorcycle trip to Sturgis

A triple amputee from Brooklyn, New York is finding meaning through motorcycles. The Afghanistan veteran is making a record-trek from New York to Sturgis.

Man makes his debut on the raceway as an amputee

Hunt was 14 years old when a tubing accident immobilized his left arm. Eight years later, after unsuccessful treatments, he decided to amputate it.

Since then, Hunt has discovered you don't need two arms to push a lawnmower, fix a camper, share your heart, hug your children or — more recently — drive a race car.

The Derby Line native began running street stocks at Thunder Road Speedway last year at age 40.

An inspirational story about two firefighters overcoming life-changing injuries to inspire others

When tragedy strikes in life, one can either give in to feelings of despair and hopelessness or try to make something positive result from it. 

This couple is turning ocean plastic into prosthetic hands

Chris and Laura Moriarty are turning plastic found in ocean waters into prosthetic hands for people around the world.

Amputee Runner Takes On #COMRADES2018 Marathon Using Crutches

Amputee runner, Xolani Luvuno is pursuing his dream to complete the 2018 Comrades Marathon on crutches today. Luvuno is a recovered drug addict and cancer survivor – has been given five extra hours to complete the race.  

Teen Whose Father Ran Over His Leg with Lawn Mower Thriving 14 Years After Accident

Brett Bainter came home from work around 3:30 p.m. and found his almost-4-year-old, Jake, riding his green bike in circles in the family’s driveway.

Jake’s babysitter was still there and it was a nice day, so Brett decided to mow the lawn. Brett reached a dead-end at the side of the house, but when he reversed the mower to turn around, he felt a bump. He didn’t know that Jake had gotten off his bike and followed him.

Brett accidentally ran over his son’s leg. Now, 14 years later, Jake is thriving — and his family is reflecting on the split second that changed their lives.

Nurse with prosthetic leg starts amputee support group

Jan Abens is a pain management nurse at Baylor Scott & White Hillcrest in Waco. She's been a nurse for nearly four decades and has continued to dedicate her life to serving others even after losing her leg in a motorcycle accident six years ago.

The Voice's Aimee Hannan: 'I don’t think I’ve had a life until this moment"

Aimee, who hails from Sydney, revealed that years of enduring chronic pain in her legs saw her become an amputee at age 22. “I was given two choices: keep my leg and die, or lose my leg and have a life,” she said, before tearfully admitting, “It’s been hard, but I don’t think I’ve had a life until this moment.”

Pilot and motivational speaker born without arms inspires thousands worldwide

Cox holds two Guinness World Records for being the first armless person in aviation history to become a certified pilot, and the first person without arms in the American Taekwondo Association to get a black belt.
 

U.S. Army veteran shares inspiring story at Amputee Awareness Day

The Lehigh Valley Amputee Support Group held its annual Amputee Awareness Day Saturday at Lehigh Valley Hospital-Cedar Crest. The event is a chance for amputees from across the region to connect and learn about new technology in the world of prosthetics.

2018 Paralympics: Former Navy SEAL wins six medals and other outstanding U.S. performances

Retired Navy SEAL Dan Cnossen finished the Paralympics in Pyeongchang with six medals, taking home a medal in every individual competition he entered in Nordic skiing.

Amputee is hoping to walk again for the first time in 20 years!

After Losing Almost 500 Lbs., Amputee Is Hoping to Walk Again for First Time in Over 20 Years. Following a dramatic weight loss, 42-year-old amputee Stanley Hollar is hoping to finally be able to walk again for the first time since 1996. 

One-handed NFL prospect bench presses 20 reps!

 NFL prospect Shaquem Griffin completed 20 reps on a bench press drill at the NFL Combine in Indianapolis on Saturday – all with just one hand. The do-it-all defender from the University of Central Florida was a late invitee to the combine and didn’t expect to do what he did Saturday with his prosthetic left hand.

Alumna operates amputee foundation after accident

Mona Patel, a Texas State alumna, is hoping to help other amputees rebuild their lives through her organization, the San Antonio Amputee Foundation. Patel plans to continue building membership and awareness for her foundation. She wants to create an amputee youth program to support children with limb loss and their parents. Patel will continue exposing her members to opportunities for healthy lifestyles.

Empire State Building run is just another hurdle for double-amputee Rudy Garcia-Tolson, who will cli

When Rudy Garcia-Tolson starts the 1,576-stair climb up to the top of the Empire State Building on Feb. 7, he will be doing it as a double amputee, helping to raise money for the Challenged Athletes Foundation.

4-Year-Old Amputee Gets 3D-Printed Prosthetic Arm for Christmas: 'It's a Confidence Booster'

Hudson Borton, a congenital amputee, was given the gift of a new left arm on Wednesday after a group of students spent hours working on a 3D-printed prosthetic limb for the little boy.

Novi elementary school students making prosthetic limbs using 3-D printers

Fourth graders at Woods Elementary and Parkview Elementary in Novi have teamed up with members of the high school’s robotics team, Novi Public Library staff and the community to build prosthetic hands and arms for children in need across the globe. The prosthetics are being distributed to e-Nable, a global non-profit that provides them to children free of charge. The non-profit is a network of volunteers that build the hands using 3-D printers.

Brave amputee sets sail around Canary Islands on tall ship

Samantha Middleton, who lost both her legs and most of her fingers in a battle with septicaemia in 2003, was thrilled to get the chance to join the crew of The Tenacious – one of only two tall ships in the world designed to be sailed by a crew with varied physical abilities

Despite losing leg to cancer, amputee continues running

Mark Barr didn't let the loss of his leg to cancer stop him from running or playing sports, the three 3-time Paralympian ran a half marathon in Houston to raise money for a local non-profit the helps physically challeged atheletes excel at sports.

Wheelchair-bound amputee comes to aid of car crash victims

A wheelchair-bound man rushed to the rescue of several victims trapped in a car after a bad accident in Arizona

Soccer on one leg carries crutches and a lot of heart

On a recent sunny afternoon, Hugo Carabes prepared for a training session with the Guerreros Aztecas (Aztec Warriors), the amputee soccer club that welcomed him after losing a leg in a motorcycle accident.

"I might not be Messi, but I can show you things that not many people can do with just one leg," said Carabes while planting one of his crutches on the pitch.

Embracing the uncharted life as an amputee – An Airman’s story of resiliency

This started as a story about an Airman fighting cancer, overcoming the odds, and returning to active duty. Unfortunately, stories about cancer are rarely so simple, and just when the finish line is in site, new challenges can present themselves.

Such is the case for Maj. Stephanie Proellochs, a Medical Service Corps (MSC) officer, who after a year of treatment and the amputation of her left foot, thought she was cancer-free in November. She was not. Her cancer had spread, and will require additional treatment. While this story had to change as a result, and the ultimate outcome is still in doubt, a few things have not changed. Proellochs’ drive to overcome her cancer, her commitment to rejoin her fellow Airmen, and her relentlessly sunny and positive attitude are all still present and stronger than ever.

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Marine Amputee Finds Solace in Surfing, Makes Lasting Friendships in Clinic

Toran Gaal is a former infantry squad leader who now lives in Valley Center, California. He’s participating in the Naval Medical Center San Diego’s Surfing Clinic, which he said helps him to feel like himself again.

Oklahoma high schoolers wanting to donate prosthetic hands to community

The students at Dove Science Academy are actually creating hands for those in need. "We were sort of brainstorming what we could do to help the community and that's when we realized we could build prosthetic hands for kids and that's what got me really excited,” Axel Castillo said. The high school students in this engineering class are making prosthetics using simple materials that all start with a 3D printer. The prosthetics are built in different sizes for different ages.

Bronx man with prosthetics competes as powerlifter

Diego Hernedez was severely disabled after being electrocuted as a child. Despite about 60 surgeries, burns to a majority of his body and the amputation of his arm, the 24-year-old recently competed in his first powerlifting competition. Hernedez trained at the Powerhouse Gym in the Bronx and used special arm attachments and a little creativity. People working out at the gym compliment him and say he has become an inspiration to everyone. 

The story of a young amputee and his three-legged dog earned a windfall for animal shelter

A boy who lost his leg to cancer came to the Front Street Shelter in Sacramento one day in search of a dog with similar disabilities. He left with a large, slobbery canine amputee named Logan. Eight months later, the video story of their perfect match has captured the 2017 grand prize in a Petco Foundation contest about animal adoptions, besting 3,500 other entries and earning the city’s shelter $100,000.

Undefeated

The Daniel Cloy story.  Truley an inspiration.  

TEDx-- The Cloy Concept

Forged through personal hardship and crafted to help people of all backgrounds, Daniel Cloy created "The Cloy Concept" to guide people through their challenges and give them the tools to take control of their life.  

http://www.thecloyconcept.com