The story of Nicole Ver Kuilen and her non profit Forrest Stump is a remarkable one. At the age of 10 she made the difficult decision to have her leg amputated and save her life from cancer. Nicole has since become one of the most accomplished endurance athletes on earth. Her achievements include an incredible 1500 miles bike, run and swim down the west coast of America. Sounds tough, but as it turns out the harder battle was the one for the right kind of care and help she needed. In turn she is trying to improve the fate of millions like her throughout in the United States.
On November 29, 1997 Tiffany Yu was being driven home by her dad when he lost control of the car. Her dad lost his life and Tiffany was left with permanent paralysis in one of her arms. Since then she has dedicated her life to creating communities where people with disabilities of every kind can be seen, supported, and celebrated. She's also aiming for a place as the only one armed climber on the US Paralympic team for LA in 2028 where her sport, para climbing will debut. She is also the author of the book "The Anti-Ableist Manifesto."
The clarity that comes with a diagnosis can be incredibly powerful. It can shed light on the challenges and difficulties someone might struggle through on a daily basis. Taylor Swanson always dreamt of becoming an Olympian, and got closer than most. But it was only after a career ending injury that she was offred answers to questions that had baffled and beset her stretching all the way back to childhood. Set free she reached the podium in Paris!
In 2004, the British wheelchair racer, dame Tanni Grey-Thompson, faced the toughest challenge of her career at the Paralympic Games in Athens. Suffering from a loss of form, the great champion was humiliated in her best event leaving her only chance of glory in the 100-metre sprint. She tells us about that race and how becoming a mother gave her a fresh perspective on sport.
Photo: Adventurer, advocate and ultra marathon runner Nicole Ver Kuilen campaigns for better care and help for amputees (Credit www.forreststump.org)