(Originally released on 10.23.18. See ThanksForSittingIn.com for complete show notes & photos)Amberly Lago is the author of True Grit and Grace where she shares her true story of how her life was forever altered by a devastating motorcycle accident and the victory she discovered through her recovery. She inspires all to thrive and delivers hope to others who suffer from chronic pain.As a personal trainer, wife, and mother, Amberly was living the California dream until it turned into a nightmare in May 2010. As she rode her Harley down Ventura Boulevard that breezy, sunny day, Amberly was hit by an SUV, throwing her thirty feet down a busy street and shattering her right leg. Months in the hospital and 34 surgeries, along with plates, pins, and sheer will eventually spared her leg and severed femoral artery, despite the initial recommendation to amputate. However, as a sexual abuse and divorce survivor, Amberly was determined to save not only her leg, but her career, her dreams, and her dignity.Amberly was diagnosed with a nerve disease called Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (formerly known as RSD) and deals with chronic pain daily. This chronic pain has led her to develop positive, healthy ways of coping with pain and all the emotions that come along with it, and pass it on to others in any kind of pain.This life altering experience inspires Amberly to communicate how you can turn tragedy into triumph. She demonstrates how you can hit rock bottom and still find the strength to get back up. She instills hope to keep moving forward by sharing different tools and strategies that have worked for her.“Everything we go through in life, prepares you for your destiny.” – Amberly LagoNOTE: Since our interview, Amberly has fulfilled her dream of being on a live TedTalk. See her video here.SHOW NOTES:Growing up in TexasGetting involved in sports and danceLessons from a tough track coachDreaming of dancing in L.A.Welcome to L.A. !“Can’t Touch This”The move to being a personal trainerThe accidentLife in the hospitalDr. Wiss and hopeLife lessons for her youngest daughterInspiring the world one person at a timeRAPID FIREDeterminationDepressionFavorite type of danceFUTURE!A TED Talk and a future bookLearn more about Amberly on her websiteFollow TFSI on Instagram