A Leg Up On Life

In this final episode of A Leg Up On Life, Jake French shares how he lives life to the fullest from a wheelchair. Jake is a professional speaker, inventor,  hunter, and fisherman. Fourteen years ago, in a freak accident, Jake broke his neck and became paralyzed from his collarbone down. His life has turned out differently than planned, but he continues to look ahead and set goals. The title of his book sums up Jake's attitude, "Life Happens - Live It!"

Four years ago, on September 18, 2018, Laurie Hayn lost her left arm and leg in a farming accident. Up to then, she was an active outdoors person, having hiked 100 miles of the Appalachian Trail three years in a row. Laurie's positive attitude and the loving support of her husband and family helped her quickly recover and adapt.

Nicole Ver Kuilen & Dee Palagi led a team of adaptive athletes in the 2022 Hood to Coast relay, a 200-mile journey in Oregon from the base of Mt. Hood to the Pacific Ocean. Both women are below-the-knee amputees and outspoken advocates for individuals with disabilities, particularly children, to have full access to athletic-quality prosthetics and orthotics. In this episode of "A Leg Up On Life," you will hear about their historic Hood to Coast team and their passion for anyone with a disability to be able to live an active lifestyle.

Mary Riddell-Bowman was born without her right lower leg and began skiing on her prosthetic leg at age four. Mary qualified for the U.S. Disabled Ski Team when she was fourteen. She raced with the national team from 1994 - 2003, competing in two Paralympics and World Championships. Along the way, she racked up numerous medals, winning two gold, two silver, and two bronze at both the Paralympics and the World Championships. Mary's impressive racing career will inspire you to achieve your goals.

Michael Belew broke his neck after diving into a wave while taking a break from his intense military training. He is currently paralyzed from the chest down but hopes to one day regain the use of his body. Two years after his accident, Michael keeps a positive outlook on life by surrounding himself with supportive friends and family and focusing on all that is good. He will inspire you to overcome and adapt to life's challenges.

Mark Mohammadpour lost 150 pounds and has kept it off for 15 years. He went from a public relations executive to the Chief Well-Being Officer of Chasing the Sun. He transformed his negative mindset into one of positivity and possibility. Mark now coaches individuals and corporations to take small incremental steps to create sustainable changes over time. Mark's numerous certifications give him the credibility to help others get A Leg Up on Life.

Colleen Young knows how to adapt. She was born with Albinism, a condition that affects her eyesight and makes her legally blind. Colleen tried numerous sports as a youngster but thrived at competitive swimming. Colleen is a 3-time Paralympic swimming champion, winning silver and bronze medals at the 2022 Paralympics in Tokyo. At her first Paralympics in 2012, Colleen was only 14, the youngest competitor at that event. Since then, she has set numerous records and won many medals. At age 23, she has achieved more than she once thought possible.

Mimo Pearl nearly broke off her foot when a ladder collapsed underneath her. She has undergone numerous surgeries and treatments for almost a year to save her foot. Before her accident, Mimo was a healer and a Footzone Practitioner. She is a positive force of love and laughter to those who have given her care. She will impress upon you the importance of mindset and staying grounded for recovery and resiliency.

Kendra Herber was born missing part of her foot. Her parents decided to amputate the foot when she was two years old. It was a decision that worked in Kendra's favor, allowing her to be a "normal" kid. In this episode, she shares living life as an amputee and feeling "WHOLE."