Amy Purdy: Motivational Speaker and Dancer
As the holidays draw closer, we are in a season of thanksgiving, and every once in awhile I run into someone who will inspire me and remind me of some of the things I’m grateful for. While watching, “Dancing with the Stars,” Amy Purdy was one of those people. Here is a person with a story who chooses to overcome the odds of which life threw at her. She is an inspiration to many and a motivational speaker, who has a positive and never-give-up attitude.
When Amy was 19 years old, her life took a detour. She thought she had flu like symptoms, but 24hrs later she was in the hospital on life support with a less than 2% chance of survival. She was diagnosed with Meningococcal meningitis and in the course of two months lost her spleen, kidney, the hearing in her left ear, and the bottom of both her legs from the knees down. Amy was devastated at hit rock bottom during her recovery time. She hated her new legs, but eventually grew into accepting her new amputees. Three months after her kidney transplant, she entered into the USASA National Snowboarding Championship, in which she won medals in three events.
Even though what happened to her was life changing, she didn’t let it stop her. She grew a positive outlook and decided to be a go-getter. Some of her accomplishments include Cofounding Adaptive Action Sports, which is a non-profit organization that helps people with permanent disabilities get involved in action sports. Amy Purdy has written an inspiring biography about her journey, she also has her own clothing line, and has been involved in many photo-shoots, as well as some films, and music videos.
She was on the show, “Dancing with the Stars” and was the seasons runner-up in 2014. While watching this show, it was the first time I’ve ever heard of Amy Purdy. She was paired up with one of my favorite ballroom dancers on the show, Derrick Hough. At first I was intrigued and instantly a fan, however I couldn’t help but think, how on earth are they going to do this. I never knew a double amputee could do something like dancing. Throughout the season they had their challenges, but they also had their shinning moments. It was truly beautiful to see them both grow and push themselves as individuals. Their whole journey was remarkable to watch.
Amy Purdy also was a motivational speaker with Oprah on the “The Life You Want Tour”. I listened one of her speeches online and was yet again inspired by this woman and how she overcame the odds. She asks people to ask themselves a question in which she asked herself, and that is “If my life were a book, and I were the author, how would I want this story to go?” Though the tour is over, Amy Purdy inspired others to live the life they desired and she is a great role model to be motivated by as she herself has gone to achieve the life she has desired. Just as you should do! Hope this tidbit inspires you this season to recognize the things to be grateful for in your life, as well as a go-getter in your life! Season’s Greetings!
Article by Jacqui
