Unapologetic stubbornness is a trait that gets most people into trouble. But thankfully Sarah's not most people and it's getting her out of it.
"I am literally, without a doubt, the most stubborn and feisty individual on this planet! When people say I can't do something or I should just give up, it's my stubborn will and tenacity that pushes me to keep on going."
True to her word, when doctors told her the independence she cherished so much was going to be a thing of the past after she was hit by a drunk driver on the way to visit her parents, Sarah knew better.
"My doctor had no idea who he was dealing with when he met me! That good old stubbornness of mine kicked into full drive and every day, no matter how down or depressed I was feeling, I refused to let anyone tell me what I couldn't do with my future."
Paul aka “Thax” pushes himself. Hard. It got him a gig playing pro hockey and a great job in finance after that. It also got him into snowmobiles. Never one to compromise, Thax followed his passion and ditched the 401k in favor of freestyle snowmobile glory (he also decided to set a world record by jumping his sled 301 feet).
Sadly pushing himself hard also broke Thax’s ribs, collapsed his lung and crushed some of his vertebras during a practice session.
While his back may have been broken, his attitude remains unscathed and Thax continues to push his optimism to the extreme.
“My attitude on life has not changed one bit. I am as upbeat as ever. This is just a change we will have to modify a few things for to get back to the normal day to day.”
Chances are Amanda has done more in her wheelchair than most ever will. Despite sustaining a permanent spinal cord injury skiing, she has amassed an impressive list of accomplishments - not for a person with a disability, for anyone.
"While my spinal cord injury took away my ability to walk, it didn't take away my ability to dream. I'm turning my dream into my reality one baby step at a time."
It's a statement that's hard to argue with. From establishing adaptive ski programs all over the world, to being named CO Ski Country Athlete of the Year, to carrying the Olympic Torch, to organizing disabled rafting expeditions, and conducting research in Antarctica, it's all in a day's work for Amanda.
"It's not what happens to you, but how you embrace the changes that take place and who you become."
Jason has always lived life on his own terms. After a horrific motorcycle accident left him paralyzed from the chest down and doctors told him he would never walk again, Jason thought otherwise.
"I knew I would walk again - there was never a doubt in my mind. It was just a matter of time."
Despite his condition, Jason is working with us on finding a way to do just that. His involvement in the development of Ekso not only paves the way for others in similar situations to follow suit but silences the skeptics that told Jason he would have to live the rest of his life in a chair.
"I've never given up hope to what most people would call the impossible."
Tamara is the face of determined optimism. Born and raised in Mexico, Tamara moved to the United States dreaming of the day she would graduate college. When she was paralyzed after the taxi she was in struck a horse, Tamara could have easily given up on that dream. She didn't.
"I was determined to finish what I had started. It was never a matter of if but more so a matter of when."
Tamara graduated with the highest honors and is using her communications degree to inspire and advocate for people living with any type of disability.
"I feel the greater need to leave my mark in this world by helping people become warriors and survivors, not victims. My body was paralyzed but in the process I freed my mind and chose NEVER to give up."
It would've been easy for Jerry to stay angry. Living his dream in San Diego he was surfing everyday, hiking with his dog and enjoying the pride that comes from starting his own business as a general contractor. And then a weekend getaway with his girlfriend turned into six days in the ICU and five weeks in a rehabilitation facility.
Jerry broke his sixth cervical vertebrae and pinched his spinal cord doing something he'd done countless times before - diving into a swimming pool. Jerry's life changed in an instant. What hasn't changed is the way he's chosen to live it.
"After a few months of being sad and feeling sorry for myself, I realized that I was affecting everybody around me in a negative way. So one day I decided to just live my life and be happy and figure out new ways to do the things that I loved to do."
Amar will look you in the eye and tell you without hesitation that he feels great.
“I could never imagine I would be in this shape. A lot of people think at 78 you’re past your prime, that you can’t do anything. I realized that age is just a number. What you feel inside is your real age.”
Amar’s attitude is all the more inspiring considering he was paralyzed after falling 20 feet off a tee box while at a golf course. Despite the setback, Amar is confident that the Ekso technology already getting him back on his feet will also get him back on the links.
“I’ll probably make it to 100 years old. Before my day I’ll be walking and perhaps I’ll be able to play golf one more time. I really truly believe I’ll do it.”
“Giving up has never been an option.”
They’re words Fernanda lives by. Every day since she herniated two cervical disks in her spine after fainting, Fernanda has focused on becoming more mobile.
“Paralysis was an unfamiliar world that forced me to re-learn how to move again.”
It’s been a difficult journey but it’s one she’s come remarkably far on. From manual wheelchairs, walkers, and crutches to a power chair and now onto Ekso, Fernanda continually celebrates not only her improving mobility, but that of everyone in her situation.
“As the years pass my hope rests in a global vision of progress. I see us all listening to uplifting stories from spinal cord injured peers who are talking about and walking in Ekso. This is what we’ve all imagined and hoped for."
