Bethany Hamilton overcame a huge tragedy and helped millions across the world by sharing her story. Now Bethany is a courageous household icon by passing on her determination and kind words to others out there who also have a battle to go through. Bethany has been such an inspiration to so many, that Soul Sisters dedicates this page to the others out there who have decided to live life even with a bump or two or three along the way. Check out these motivational stories that not only will have you getting a new perspective on life, but may teach you a thing or two along the way.
Boy Finds Inspiration After Amputation
Merced, CA (KFSN) -- An 11 year old Merced boy who survived a
lawn mower accident is adjusting to life as an amputee and
finding inspiration along the way.
Tye Dutcher is happy to be home and even playing in the same
backyard where he survived a life-changing accident.
Tye Dutcher: "The weird thing was, when it first happened, I felt no
pain or anything. I was shocked."
Tye's father accidentally backed over him with a lawn mower in March
when the 11 year old playfully snuck up behind him. Doctors in
Sacramento had to amputate his right foot above the ankle. But that
isn't stopping Tye from living life to the fullest.
Tye: "It happened for a reason basically, and I know there's going to
be so many things I can do."
He's already headed back to school part time, and he's keeping up
with computer lessons at home. He's also reading an inspirational
book by Bethany Hamilton, the 13 year old surfer who lost her arm
during a shark attack.
Tye: "She's also said that when she wakes up, it feels like her arm's
still there, and when I wake up I feel like my foot's still there."
The young athlete is now waiting for a waterproof prosthetic and
undergoing sometimes painful physical therapy. But through it all, his
faith, friends, and family have helped keep a smile on his face.
Kim Dutcher/Mother "He's incredible. He has down moments, but more
up moments than down, and he makes it easy for us."
And the Dutchers say they've all been inspired by the cards, gifts, and
blood drives that show just how much the community cares.
Tye: "I can't believe this happened, but you guys really, really do care
and I love you all."
(Copyright ©2008 KFSN-TV/DT. All Rights Reserved.)
WHEN Laura Hebb went to the doctor with a sore knee on Christmas Eve last year, the 10-year-old Geelong girl and her family had no idea how serious the problem really was.
Within a month staff at the Andrew Love Centre told Laura she had osteosarcoma, an aggressive form of cancer, that would require extensive treatment.
She underwent three operations, and her leg had to be amputated to remove a tumour that had affected the growth plate in her knee.
It was a bitter blow for an active school girl, whose favourite hobbies included dancing, swimming and surfing.
Laura is still receiving chemotherapy and has spent a mere 45 minutes at school this year.
During January and February she rarely got to spend any time at home with her older brother, father and mother. Most of her time was spent at the Royal Children's Hospital, where she received various chemotherapy treatments, and at the Geelong Hospital for "chemo clean-up".
"The last dose of chemo was the one that makes you feel really sick," she said.
Laura experienced extreme tiredness and nausea from her treatment.
She has had to spend time in isolation at the Geelong Hospital, and has had many blood transfusions.
Yet despite all this, the 10-year-old maintains a mature and sunny disposition.
Laura's mother, Barbara, said her daughter "has matured as a result of these challenges".
Unlike most girls her age, who might watch TV shows such as Hannah Montana or the Saddle Club, Laura enjoys the Black Adder series, the Vicar of Dibley and novels by Jacqueline Wilson.
"The treatment is very tiring, and we are lucky to have TV as a support," Mrs Hebb said.
"When you feel you can't move you can escape a bit, movies that make you laugh are a big help."
Trying not to focus too much on the negatives, Laura has rubbed shoulders with Australia's elite.
She has shared her on-going experience with Prime Minister Kevin Rudd, her favourite footballer Cameron Ling, Magda Szubanski - Kath & Kim's Sharon - as well as surfer Bethany Hamilton.
"Laura now has some big positive stories," Mrs Hebb said.
Planning on walking back into school for grade six, Laura and her family are grateful to the friends and medical teams which have supported them, particularly the team at the Geelong Hospital.
They urged the Geelong community to support the hospital's appeal, which kicks off next month and runs from June 6-9.
