GRIT FILES

Episode 7 of GRIT FILES: Verna Marzo is admitted to the hospital for an emergency hysterectomy and due to unexpected complications of Septic Shock, surgeons gave her less than 10% chance of survival. She did survive but only after temporary blindness, organ failure, and becoming a quadruple amputee. This incredible woman shares the experience and how she has changed her perspective on her life purpose. Verna is a pinnacle example of self-belief, strength, and GRIT. Her courageous and adventurous spirit hasn't changed as she continues to push forward, setting new goals, achieving her dreams, and showing others what is possible. With Team Verna behind her, she is an inspiration beyond measure. She relies on her faith, which allows her to focus on helping others overcome the challenge of disability. She is an undeniable beacon of light and love while giving hope to a better life for those who need a lift. Verna Marzo.....You're My Hero!!!

Episode 6 of GRIT FILES. Cori Kohlhagen shares her story of GRIT. A badly broken leg leads to numerous failed surgeries and finally, Cori makes the courageous decision to have her leg amputated. She was faced with the toughest decision of her life, choosing between becoming an amputee or living a life of limited mobility and chronic pain. Cori's love of her family and faith are the bedrock of her ability to forge ahead with an unshakable positive attitude and strength. Her endless energy and optimism are both inspiring and heartwarming. Considering Cori has been an amputee for only 3 months from this interview, you will be blown away by her resilience and hope. Cori shares her journey to the unknown and her plans for a life on her terms. Including helping those faced with this difficult choice. One tough cookie! Thank you for sharing Cori,..... you are GRIT.

Episode 5 of GRIT FILES:  Scott Patterson keeps it real as he shares his journey of Grit. Our guest this week has competed in 4 Paralympic games across 3 decades and incredibly in 3 separate sports!  A sporting highlight was winning a Bronze medal in 2002 Salt Lake City Paralympics as a downhill ski racer. He is also a World Champion in Triathalon and made the London 2012 Canadian Paralympic Swimming Team at 50 years old.  He has now set his sights on surfing, looking to innovate the sport while chasing waves around the globe. All of this after losing both of his legs above the knee in a terrible workplace accident. Hear how Scott has manifested a life of amazing achievements and continues to do what he loves. You can't help but be inspired by Scott's youthful spirit, endless energy, and easy-going attitude. 
 

Episode 4 of GRIT FILES. Gord Tuck as an 18-Year-old logger has luckily survived a horrific industrial accident that took his leg. Gord shares his story of optimism, support, and achievement. His impressive journey created a life that was built on an unshakeable positive attitude, hard work, and determination. A World Championship medal-winning downhill ski racer and World Championship medal-winning water skier, Gords' contribution to Canadian sport is considerable. Now a successful businessman and father Gord continues to be an inspiration to his family and community. A role model human being that found his GRIT after that life-changing day in May 1991. A  pure example of resilience, passion, and GRIT. Be like Gord!
  

Episode 3 of GRIT FILES. Laurie White, a young RCMP (Royal Canadian Mounted Police) officer who survives a gunshot wound in the line of duty while posted in Northern British Columbia, Canada. Listen to Laurie tell her incredible story of shock, pain, and GRIT as she overcomes the challenges of becoming a young female amputee. Laurie shares her journey to achieve the historical milestone and be the first person to return to full-time duty on the RCMP force wearing a prosthetic leg. It is a test of physical and mental strength beyond measure. Lauries' road to recovery demonstrates that with hard work and determination you can achieve your goals and anything is possible. A  pure example of resilience, passion, and GRIT. Off the chart inspiration. 

Greg Mannino is your GRIT FILES Episode 2 guest. Greg shares a detailed account of his personal journey of becoming an amputee after a horrific workplace accident as a teenager. Years of anger and frustration lead him to return to the sport of alpine skiing and through determination and the support of his family and friends created a life filled with accomplishment and opportunity.  He is a U.S Olympic and Paralympic Hall of Fame Nominee. A 5 Time Paralympic athlete, 12-time Paralympic medalist. They don't get any tougher or inspiring than Greg. His story will fire your inner flame and his personal daily mantra is "Just go do those things" that you want to do. Another amazing example of resilience, passion, and GRIT. Get ready to be inspired by this legend!
  

It's a privilege and an honor to have Andrew Csabi as the first guest on GRIT FILES. Andrew shares a detailed account of his experience on ground zero the moment the terrorist bomb exploded at the Sari Club, Bali Indonesia in October 2002. Many lives were lost that night and many more lives were changed permanently. Andrew's story of the trauma experience and the devastating shock and realization of living life as a double amputee is only part of his incredible journey. His experience fostered a love of life, family, and friends beyond measure. Andy feels without their support the outcome could have been very different. This is a true story of resilience, passion, and GRIT. Get ready to be inspired by a true survivor.  If you would like to know more about Andrews story, pick up a copy of his book Bom Bali: Life after Death...ten years on.  Contact: [email protected]