Inspirational Stories - Prosthetic Design + Research (PDR)

Machined Parts Help Paralympian

Over the next 12 years, he would go on to become a world-class Paralympic athlete, winning gold and silver medals in the 2018 Paralympic Games, competing in a variety of winter sports, including motocross, snow bike cross, and snowboarding, and winning other gold and silver medals along the way. In fact, he is now a 10-time X Games gold medalist, after returning from the recent Winter X Games 2020 in Aspen, Colorado.

Adaptive Surfer Dani Burt Is More Than Just An Inspirational Story

When Dani Burt woke up from a 45-day, medically induced coma following a motorcycle accident to learn her right leg had been amputated above the knee, she was destroyed; angry; defeated.

Four Adaptive Athletes Gearing Up To Complete Bike Race

Four athletes from the Challenged Athletes Foundation are setting out to complete the 420-mile race through some of the toughest terrains in Idaho.

Celebrity Allows Paralympic Amputee To Train In His Pool

David Duchovny Is Lending His Pool to Paralympic Swimmer to Train During COVID-19 Shutdowns. Rudy Garcia-Tolson — a double above-knee amputee — actually previously met David Duchovny as a kid, he shared.

Women Amputee Aims To Be First To Finish Coast To Coast

The feisty 54-year-old from Feilding has set herself the goal of being the first women amputee to contest multisport's toughest challenge - the Coast to Coast - in February next year.

Former Miss Colombia Is Making The Most Out Of A Difficult Journey

Former Miss Colombia dances in video just weeks after leg amputation: 'We must be resilient in life'

Amputee Home After Transatlantic Solo-Sail

An amputee sailor stranded in the Caribbean because of the coronavirus outbreak has completed a 4,000-mile solo journey to get home to NI.

Young Amputee & Her Journey As A New Mother

The story of a young mother who is an amputee is winning hearts on social media. Some stories about people with a disability are not just inspiring and moving, but heart-warming too.

He Lost His Leg, Then Rediscovered the Bicycle. Now He’s Unstoppable.

LEO RODGERS IS THE IRREPRESSIBLE GRAVEL-RACING HERO WE ALL NEED RIGHT NOW

Walking 82-days After Leg Was Amputated

Quarantine isn’t stopping Arizona women from getting out of bed every morning.

Making Affordable Prosthetics for Amputees

At UMass-Lowell, plastics engineer has developed a patented prosthetic that is changing amputees’ lives in India, Rwanda and the Philippines.

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.