Amy Purdy

AMY PURDY

Purdy was born in Las Vegas. At age 19, she contracted Neisseria meningitis which later led to both of her legs being amputated below the knee, she lost both kidneys, and her spleen had to be removed. Doctors gave Purdy a 2% chance of survival. Two years later, she received a kidney transplant from her father. Purdy began snowboarding seven months after she received her prosthetic legs. About a year after her legs were amputated, she finished third in a snowboarding competition at Mammoth Mountain. She has gone on to co-found a non-profit organization, Adaptive Action Sports - a chapter of Disabled Sports USA, for individuals with physical disabilities who want to get involved in action sports (snowboarding, skateboarding, surfing) or art and music. She was named one of ESPNW's Impact 25 in 2014, and one of Oprah's SuperSoul 100 visionaries and influential leaders in 2016. To learn more about our initiatives with Amy Purdy and Adaptive Action Sports, learn more at https://www.stanleyblackanddecker.com/article/ working-our-inspirational-partners-empower-individuals-all-abilities

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THOSE WHO INSPIRE / EXTREME SNOWBOARDER

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What has been your greatest achievement? It's having the mindset to push beyond my perceived limitations! From building my own prosthetic feet that I can snowboard in, to pushing myself as an athlete, to winning multiple medals at the Paralympic Games and coming in 2nd place on Dancing with the Stars. To pushing my limits in my career as a motivational speaker and finding myself on stage with Oprah, to writing a book that has now been published in 10 countries across the world to creating an organization with my husband that has gone on to help so many. I wouldn't have been able to pursue my dreams in the way I have without being able to push through my own barriers. What is your next ambition? To be able to continue to grow as a person, a wife and in my career. Ultimately my goal is to live my best life and to help others do the same. How do you relax? I travel so much that being home in the mountains is most relaxing. Laying on our deck, creating creative projects around the home and fixing up our home. I also love road trips and camping! What/Who is your biggest inspiration? To be honest I have so may inspirations. People reach out to me every day and share their stories of struggle and hardship and how they have overcome. Each time I hear a new story I'm blown away by the human spirit and how it can rise above some of the most challenging obstacles. How would people describe you? The most common word I've heard is "Inspiring" but in reality, I want to be motivating. I don't simply want to inspire people, I want to motivate them to take real action in their lives and to know that they have the control to live their best life possible. I also think people know me as someone who takes risks and lives their life to the fullest. What would your advice be to aspiring, up and coming, athletes? That commitment is the most important tool in your toolbox. When you are committed you will push through limits, failure & all the obstacles that come your way and that's how you become your best self and reach your athletic goals. Those who aren't wholeheartedly committed to their goal can easily get discouraged and quit when times get tough. Commitment isn't to anyone else but yourself. When you are committed you will find a way.

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THOSE WHO INSPIRE / EXTREME SNOWBOARDER

AMY PURDY

Purdy was born in Las Vegas. At age 19, she contracted Neisseria meningitis which later led to both of her legs being amputated below the knee, she lost both kidneys, and her spleen had to be removed. Doctors gave Purdy a 2% chance of survival. Two years later, she received a kidney transplant from her father. Purdy began snowboarding seven months after she received her prosthetic legs. About a year after her legs were amputated, she finished third in a snowboarding competition at Mammoth Mountain. She has gone on to co-found a non-profit organization, Adaptive Action Sports - a chapter of Disabled Sports USA, for individuals with physical disabilities who want to get involved in action sports (snowboarding, skateboarding, surfing) or art and music. She was named one of ESPNW's Impact 25 in 2014, and one of Oprah's SuperSoul 100 visionaries and influential leaders in 2016. To learn more about our initiatives with Amy Purdy and Adaptive Action Sports, learn more at https://www.stanleyblackanddecker.com/article/working-our-inspirational-partners-empower-individuals-all-abilities

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