Jason Lester running at night
At the age of 12, Jason Lester was hit by a car while riding his bike, resulting in 21 broken bones, a collapsed lung, and a paralyzed right arm. His dreams of being a top athlete seemed to be broken as well. As another strike against him, as he was lying in his hospital bed, his father, who was his sole guardian, died of a heart attack at the young age of 39.
Wounded Warrior Amputee Softball Team
The Wounded Warrior Amputee Softball Team (WWAST), represents some of our nation’s bravest and most determined heroes, soldiers and veterans. These extremely athletic men have sustained severe injuries resulting in amputation while serving in the military/war, and through extensive rehabilitation, they have become competitive athletes again.
baby Charlotte Cleverley Bisman
Charlotte Lucy Cleverley-Bisman was born in New Zealand in November of 2003, during the New Zealand epidemic of meningococcal disease, a bacterial infection which can cause meningitis and blood poisoning. Charlotte contracted the disease in 2004 and is believed to be the smallest baby to have survived not only the severe infection but the subsequent quadruple amputations as well. She was nicknamed “Miraculous Baby Charlotte” by her fellow New Zealanders as a result of making headlines worldwide after recuperating from a series of life-threatening complications.
Sophia Warner in action on the track. Photograph: Kevin Quigley/Associated Newspapers
Sophia Warner is a 38 year-old wife, mother of two, Commercial Director of British Athletics, and keeper of sheep, lambs, chickens and rabbits. Sophia also travels around the country, speaking to children, employees and business people about the power of positive thinking. She is an elite athlete, a medal winning Paralympic 100m runner. Sophia has Cerebral Palsy, the muscles and function of one side of her body are affected but certainly not her motivation and spirit.