amputees

Invictus Games 2016 – Inspiring Destigmatization of Visible and Invisible Injuries

Date: May 12, 2016

Author: Brooke

Categories: adaptive sports, amputees, fitness, INSPIRATIONS BLOG, prosthetics

When Prince Harry attended the Warrior Games in Colorado in 2013, he saw how the power of sports could help wounded warriors physically, socially and psychologically. He envisioned bringing this power to an international level. invictus_games_2016

The first Invictus Games took place September 10-14, 2014 in London’s Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park. Over 400 competitors from 13 nations competed in 9 sports. (read more about the 2014 Invictus Games).

The 2014 Invictus Games helped to remove stigma around physical injuries and Prince Harry hopes this year’s Invictus Games can do the same for invisible injuries. He and President George W. Bush hosted a symposium on Invisible Wounds at this year’s Games in Orlando, aiming to destigmatize post-traumatic stress.

Brandon Holiday – Athlete, Community force for the Disabled, Inspiration

Date: May 10, 2016

Author: Brooke

Categories: adaptive sports, amputees, fitness, INSPIRATIONS BLOG, prosthetics, resources, Support

Brandon Holiday and Tyson

Brandon Holiday grew up athletic – playing various sports, tennis, baseball and training in martial arts. He also grew up with Systemic Lupus, Primary Addison’s and a blood clotting condition (Antiphosolipid Syndrome). After college, he became a police officer but an injury in the line of duty and medical complications from Systemic Lupus forced him to leave the police force. The changing symptoms of his disease made it necessary for him to adjust his life. Lupus is an autoimmune disease where the body attacks itself and causes symptoms like chronic fatigue, pleurisy, high fevers, restlessness, and loss of kidney function.

In 2006, after four months in the hospital battling with blood clots, wound care and hyperbaric chamber treatments, doctors had to amputate his left leg below the knee. Reaching out for help facing his challenges dealing with his injuries and disease led him Challenged Athletes Foundation who awarded him a grant to travel and attend the Extremity Games. It was life-changing for him.

“I realized that there had to be more than just accepting you’re depressed and here is some medicine to help.”

Julian Torres – Wounded Warrior and Inspiring Mountain Climber

Date: April 30, 2016

Author: Brooke

Categories: adaptive sports, amputees, INSPIRATIONS BLOG, prosthetics, Support

Julian Torres trained in the mountains of California (source: modbee.com article by Jeff Jardine )

In August 2009, Marine Julian Torres got orders to report to Jacksonville NC to join the “Never to Quit Battalion” 2nd Battalion 6th Marines. He became a Machine Gun Squad Leader, and in January 2010 was sent to Machine Gun Leaders Course. Hand-picked by the battalion commander he was meritoriously promoted to the rank of Sergeant. Torres was sent to Marjah, in the Helmand Providence of Afghanistan to fight the Taliban forces and in less than a month, his life was changed forever when an explosive device blew off both of his legs at the knees.

Stephanie Decker – Inspirational Amputee, Heroine and Benefactor

Date: March 6, 2016

Author: Brooke

Categories: adaptive sports, amputees, fitness, INSPIRATIONS BLOG

Stephanie Decker with her son, Dominic (8), daughter, Reese (5), and husband, Joe.

Stephanie Decker with her son Dominic, daughter Reese, and husband, Joe.

With a category 4 tornado speeding towards her home in Southern Indiana, Stephanie Decker had a split second decision to make. Scrambling to rush her children to safety, her home began to fall apart around her.

“I grabbed a comforter, wrapped my two children in a blanket, told them I loved them and to GET DOWN. I fully expected to die, but, miraculously, we all survived”

Shielding her 2 young children with her body, Stephanie prevented bricks from hitting them while her own legs were crushed by a steel beam.

Her children were unharmed but Stephanie was left bleeding and helpless in the rubble pile. The children, 8 year old son Dominic, and 5 year old daughter Reese, ran to get help.

Isaac Feliciano – Amputee Firefighter and Athlete

Date: February 19, 2016

Author: Brooke

Categories: adaptive sports, amputees, fitness, INSPIRATIONS BLOG, prosthetics

Gangrene from spinal meningitis at the age of 6 cost Isaac Feliciano his left leg from the knee down. A lot of people thought this took away his physical capabilities but Isaac proved them wrong. He was a star linebacker and wide receiver on his Passaic Tech high school football team and also played second base on their baseball team. Isaac Feliciano - active in athletic activities CAF