The power of optimism
Chizi Okpobiri is filled with gratitude. For the world-class surgeon who operated on his crushed pelvis, for the premier facilities where he received excellent care, and for the loyal friends who remained by his side during challenging days. Chizi was…
A life renewed, one step at a time
Alex Weatherford is a walking miracle. His new mobile lifestyle is due to his extraordinary determination and a revolutionary surgical procedure, Osseointegration (OI). OI is a game-changer that improves quality of life, function, and mobility in individuals who have had…
Bodybuilder Mark Omezi proves determination is an important muscle
Mark Omezi, known in fitness and bodybuilding circles as Omayzee, makes lifting weights and body sculpting look easy and exciting. But Mark knows his journey has been anything but easy after a car accident in December 2019 left him in…
Thanks to old-fashioned grit and successful surgery, IRONMAN competitor Paul Sandoval doesn’t let a clavicle fracture slow him down
After Paul Sandoval flew over the handlebars of his bike while training for the IRONMAN Texas, he resigned himself to not being able to compete in the endurance test. During the accident, Paul sustained a clavicle fracture, a break in…
Resilient teen proves power of mind, body, spirit
Oscar Gutierrez may be only 17 but he is among a select few to reach the status of a nationally ranked gymnast. His path to being ranked 38th in the Junior National Level was filled not only with long hours…
No Challenge Too Big – A Day in the Life: Morgan Galeas
Morgan Galeas, a busy, bubbling-with-laughter 14-year-old, couldn’t say goodbye to her scoliosis brace fast enough. Nothing slows Morgan down, not even the scoliosis brace that became part of her daily routine when she went for her annual check-up at age…
With fearless grit, a Pan Am Games competitor is already a winner
Alexandra Wainwright,19, has competed in karate at the world level since 13. Now, she’s set to compete on another international stage at the Junior Pan American Games in Cali, Colombia, November 25-Dec. 4. This is a daunting challenge for any…
A magic smile captures everyone’s hearts
Five-year-old Kaylie Lingor, an irresistible social butterfly who loves chatting with everyone, flashes a megawatt smile that lights up every corner of a room. “She has never been shy,” laughs her mom, Jessica. The Lingor family, including Dad, Matt, and…
A problem-solver extraordinaire travels the world
The fact that Wayne Moorehead is a quadruple amputee doesn’t dampen his can-do attitude or independent spirit. Moorehead’s life turned upside down in August 2018 when he got sick and developed sepsis. He went to a local clinic, was diagnosed…
Nothing discourages this unstoppable marathoner on wheels
Fred Samuelsen marvels that he has completed 13 marathons. No big deal some may think, but Samuelsen is proud that he competes in what he calls a “very cool” wheelchair. His journey to a wheelchair began 11 years ago when…