Inspirational Stories

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.

Double Amputee gives others a leg up

Jerry Tibs lost his legs due to medical complications with his heart, but he wouldn't let that stop him from helping others. He uses his life  as a double amputee to show others that there is still life after limb loss and has worked with Illinois Agrability Unlimited, which assists farmers with various physical challenges remain on their farms and keep farming in addition to other support groups.

High-tech neuroprosthetic ‘Luke’ arm lets amputee touch and feel again

Kevin Walgamott lost most of his arm in an electrical accident 14 years ago, but last year he heard about work being done at the University of Utah on an expiremental robotic arm, that would be controlled by the amputee's nerves, which could give the sense of touch back to the wearer. Researchers dubbed it the “Luke” arm, after the legendary Jedi of Star Wars fame. It was developed by Dean Kamen, inventor of the Segway, with additional funding from the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA). 

Double Amputee Shares Her Story to Inspire Others

Despite losing her left arm and much of her left leg in a horrific crash on Medford’s North Foothill Road two months ago, Klamath Falls resident Chelsea Gamble said she is working hard to focus on a positive outlook on life. Despite losing her left arm and much of her left leg in a horrific crash on Medford’s North Foothill Road two months ago, Klamath Falls resident Chelsea Gamble said she is working hard to focus on a positive outlook on life.

Local man competes in triathlon after being double amputee

On Mother’s Day 2016, Alex Hearn awoke to a day much like every other. But by the time he’d go to sleep that night, he would be battling for his life and soon would be without his legs.He lost his legs in a car accident and wasn't sure when he'd be walking again. Thanks to his physical therapist and The Scott Rigby Foundation, Alex was able to participate in a Half Ironman triathlon in August. 

Child amputee to get surprise meeting with dog amputee

 An Indiana boy who lost his legs due to severe burns is in store for a heartwarming surprise - a meeting with an amputee dog. Owen, 10, suffered burns across 98 percent of his body when he was 2 years old. The injuries caused him to have both his legs amputated this year. Chi Chi, a 3-year-old golden retriever, was rescued from horrible conditions and had all four legs amputated. Like Chi Chi, Owen was adopted after the scalding incident that caused his burns. Due to the incident, his biological mother lost custody of him.

Woman using amputation to help fellow amputees

Nikki's leg was amputated in Chicago, where she received support from other amputees. That support was vital to her recovery. But something was missing when she came back home to central Illinois. "When I got here all those peer visits stopped,” says Nikki. “There were no longer people coming to see me whom had shared experience in amputation." When she discovered the peer support groups weren’t around in central Illinois, she decided to start Central Illinois Amputees

Boston Green Beret amputee set for another tour

Not once after his right leg shattered in Afghanistan in 2013, during a year of surgeries and the months spent learning to walk on a prosthetic leg, did Sgt. 1st Class Nicholas Lavery consider settling for a medical discharge or ending his Army career behind a desk. In January, Lavery will deploy again — where, he can’t say. But in the meantime, he’s pursuing his master’s degree at the Chicago School of Professional Psychology and spending time with his wife, Army Master Sgt. Toni Lavery, and their 6-month-old son, Dominic.

Golden Retriever Therapy Dog with Four Prosthetic Paws Can’t Stop Spreading Smiles

Chi Chi, a three-and-a-half-year-old golden retriever living in Arizona, seems to be smiling in every picture. That’s why it’s so hard to believe all Chi Chi went through before finding her forever home with Elizabeth and her family in Phoenix. Chi Chi is originally from South Korea where she was found in a dumpster, apparently left for dead. Incredibly, a rescue group found her and got her to a vet who realized the only way to save her was to amputate all four of her legs.

Man Wants Fellow Amputees to Know They Can Live Full Lives

 Former Beloiter Randy Garetson, 52, is spreading the message that amputees can live a full life, but that doesn't mean his life has been without struggles.

18 Year Old Makes Innovative Prosthetics from Recycled Plastic

Aaron Westbrook was born with only one hand. Several years ago, while a freshman at New Albany High School in Ohio, he tried out his first prosthetic. It didn’t fit well, and cost about $40,000, a somewhat staggering sum, considering he would eventually outgrow it. So Westbrook, decided to make his own, using the 3D printer in his school’s fab lab. 

Veteran Amputee Plans to Rejoin Air Force Pararescue

August O'Neil was wounded in Afghanistan serving as a Air Force Para-Rescuer, a combat medic who jump out of aircraft to reach wounded personnel, he was shot in the leg while giving medical treatment to a wounded Marine. He lost his leg due to this injury.

August wasn't the type to let the loss of a limb stop him from doing his job, he gave himself a "ten minute boo hoo session" then started planning his return to duty.  

Meet the grandma who crochets personalised dolls with missing limbs for amputee chidren

56-year-old Andrea Harrison. She’s been bringing joy to children who have had limbs amputated by crocheting them personalised dolls with matching missing limbs, in a bid to help them feel more included. Andrea, who lost her own right leg to type 1 diabetes, started the project after coming across a Facebook post about an eight-year-old amputee, Ffion. 

Pete the parrot is getting a prosthetic foot. Then he has to learn to live with it.

In September of 2016 Pete the Parrot was attacked by a fox. The attack left him scarred and without a leg, but that changed when his owner took him to the University of Pennsylvania's exotic animal hospital and they were able to create a 3D printed prosthetic leg for him!

Student pushes through challenges of being an amputee

Although he’s not yet 13 years old, Braden Moriconi has already overcome a lot in his life. Nearly 10 years ago, a 3-year-old Moriconi was outside playing when he slipped on some grass and fell under a lawnmower, an injury that required amputating part of his left leg and his left foot. But the seventh-grade Northern Cambria Middle School student hasn’t missed a beat as a member of the Northern Cambria junior high soccer team and the Northern Cambria High School marching band.

A Double-Amputee Marine is Training to Run 31 Marathons in 31 Days

Rob Jones loves a challenge. In 2012, he trained for the Paralympics in rowing—he’d never even been in a scull prior to this—and won a bronze medal. In 2013, he took a 5,180-mile bike ride from Maine to California. And now, he’s trained to run 31 marathons in 31 days in major cities across the country.

How a state-of-the-art prosthetic leg helped this amputee win a silver medal at the Invictus Games

Retired master corporal Étienne Aubé's golf swing won him a silver medal at the Invictus Games, an accomplishment the Canadian veteran credits to his state-of-the-art prosthetic leg.

Prince Harry honours amputee who lost three limbs in Afghanistan after he wins silver at Invictus Ga

This week, Mark Ormrod, Britain's first triple amputee to survive the conflict, has been honoured by Prince Harry, as he picked up two silver medals in the Invictus Games; the final piece of a decade-long challenge to get his life back on track.

Colton Ward, an amputee, set for Rider varsity debut

Colton Ward has never shied from setting lofty goals for himself no matter the obstacles in his way. And few can claim to have overcome more than the Rider junior. 

Marine veteran amputee climbs to the top of Mount Kilimanjaro for a good cause

Marine veteran, Cpl. Kionte Storey, who lost his leg in Afghanistan in 2010, climbed to the top of Mount Kilimanjaro for the #Give2Veterans campaign. Waking up around midnight on Aug. 25, Marine Cpl. Kionte Storey began his final trek up Mount Kilimanjaro, the culmination of months of rigorous training that led him to the top of Africa’s highest peak.

Vietnam veteran builds prosthetics in war zones

Dave Evans’ life didn’t end the day he lost both his legs below the knees in Vietnam. But the explosive booby trap the Cabin Creek native stepped on along a rice paddy dike on Dec. 4, 1970, would determine the course of his life to come.

3-Year-Old Who Lost All Her Limbs to Meningitis Takes Her First Steps on Prosthetic Legs

Harmonie-Rose Allen, 3, lost her limbs after a difficult battle with meningitis when she was a baby. After two months of practicing on her prosthetic legs, she’s finally walking independently.

Double amputee walks the beat in Suffolk

A Long Island war hero is walking the beat in Suffolk County on titanium legs as the police department's first double amputee.

Libertyville amputee running 5K to help get crutches to kids in need

Injuries prevented Patrick Scheibler from running the past several years, so the Libertyville resident has been on the sideline as a volunteer for his hometown's annual Twilight Shuffle 5K fundraiser. But on Sunday, Scheibler -- now a self-described "one-legged man" -- will be back in the field on crutches after a life-changing decision to have the lower part of his left leg removed.

This Badass Mom, Teacher, and Amputee is Redefining What “Real Beauty” Truly Means

Diana Wright is a wife, mother of two daughters, and school teacher who lost her leg in an accident a few years ago. But through her passion and strength, Wright has shown time and time again that while the accident may have changed her body, it did not shake her spirit. She’s hit goal after goal when it comes to her recovery, not only learning how to walk again, but also to run; and her infectious positivity is nothing short of inspiring.

Amputee Charlie Lewis On The Freedom Running Gives Him

For Charlie Lewis, running is about far more than keeping fit or clearing his head. It’s about the freedom to explore the world around him and challenging his body to achieve ever greater feats. Lewis knows better than most the benefits of running; he had to endure ten years without it after a snowboarding accident when he was teenager.

Amputee to Reattempt Lake Swim Friday

A Massachusetts man with a prosthetic leg will make another attempt at swimming the length of Lake Winnisquam on Friday. Mike Welsch, who has managed to swim every New Hampshire lake except for Winnisquam, planned to hit the waters on Aug. 17, until a medical emergency forced him to postpone his attempt at checking off the last one on his list.

Double-amputee golf enthusiast back on course

He may have lost both his legs, but Edward Urquhart’s golf game is stronger than ever. The 28-year-old golf enthusiast lost his limbs in a motorcycle crash last year, but treatment at West Park Healthcare — one of the few in-patient centres in Canada that provides amputees with rehabilative care from start to finish — equipped him with a new outlook on life.

Kids getting Iron Man, Frozen, and Star Wars prosthetics

Iron Man is one of the coolest and most popular superheroes out there. But even Iron Man needs some cool tech to help him overcome the odds. Now, children with prosthetics have a chance to be part Iron Man as they overcome challenges of their own. 

Alumni event set for amputee veterans

Bonds forged over games of softball will be rekindled in Branson as the city plays host to the inaugural Wounded Warriors Amputee Softball Team (WWAST) Alumni Kids Camp.

Bryant amputee finishes first Alaskaman Triathlon

Chris Madison lost his leg in a boating accident on July 25, 1985. Ten days before his 32nd anniversary of the accident, Madison finished the inaugural Alaskaman Extreme Triathlon.

Amputee Officer Competes in Olympics of Law Enforcement

Michael Crowe is not only an amputee, he is a police officer who competed in the 2017 LA World Police and Fire Games in Los Angeles. The 28-year old took part in both the dead lift and the bench press competitions competing against law enforcement athletes from around the world. 

Former NFL linebacker, powerlifter inspire Louisville amputees

This week, competitive power lifer Ali McWeeny joined retired NFL linebacker David Vobora at the Amputee Coalition National Conference in Louisville for an adaptive training event that catered to amputees who were interested in remaining physically active.

Amputee Model Proves Her Many Doubters Wrong

Shaholly Ayers, a congenital amputee who was born without her lower right arm, has opened up living out her dream as a fashion model despite being told she’ll never make it.

Family Raises Money, Awareness for Scholarships to Camp for Prosthetics, Limb Loss

 More than 200 people came out to the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders game on Tuesday to help raise money to send children with prosthetic and missing limbs to a special camp.

Florida university makes technology to help people with prosthetics to play video games

A university in Orlando, FL has developed technology that allows people without hands or arms to play video games

Students make 3D printed prosthetics for people in need

Local students are taking what they learned in the classroom and are using those skills to help others. Using 3D printing technology, students from Vertus High School printed and assembled hands and arms for children and people in need in Honduras and India.

Children call on their superhero powers to create fanciful prosthetics

Eight children born with different limbs — such as a hand not fully formed or legs that had portions missing — learned how to view their differences as superhero upgrades in a one-day design event called Superhero Cyborgs held at Canopy City, a co-working and incubator space in Somerville, and hosted by a Missouri-based nonprofit called Born Just Right and KIDmob, a design firm based in San Francisco. The event was sponsored by Helping Hands Foundation, and the children worked with volunteer designers.

Free program offers alternative to traditional prosthetic breasts

"Knitted Knockers are a soft, comfortable breast prosthetic that are hand-knitted or crocheted by local ladies," said Jacqui Engstrand, nurse navigator for the Breast Center at Adventist Health. The program began at the hospital last year; the knitted prosthetics are worn beneath a bra, much like traditional prosthetic breasts, but are said to be more lightweight and comfortable than the traditional gel option.

Stacy Paris Forges A New Modeling Career After Losing Her Legs

A woman who had both legs amputated after contracting a flesh-eating bug has overcome her condition to forge a career as a model. Stacy Paris, 30, from Bridge of Allan, Stirlingshire, is now backing plans to change employment laws to give disabled models more rights. The student, who is studying molecular biology at Glasgow University, is the first Scot to sign up to the Models of Diversity campaign, which wants the government to force agencies to represent one disabled model for every five able-bodied models.

Austin amputee on a path to 2020 Summer Paralympic Games

In the summer of 2015, everything seemed normal for Katie Jackson, she had a thriving dental practice, thinking of starting a family with her husband and in tip-top shape. She ran almost every day. Until, she felt an unusual mass behind her right knee.

High school track star with prosthetics topples more records

He was born with a congenital birth defect called fibular hemimelia that caused him to have both legs amputated from below the knee at just 11 months old. He was told that there was a chance he'd never be able to walk.But that hasn't stopped Hunter Woodhall from achieving his goals, in record-breaking fashion.

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