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Running On Borrowed Breath: Another Victory Over Disability

By Robert Wilson 09/03/2012 15:37:00

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It is a story and a theme that simply cannot be told too many times. Attitude matters, and is a critical component in the recovery of those dealing with life altering injuries and diseases.

Enter the latest evidence: A 34 year old former Navy SEAL who has fought leukemia, and received a double lung transplant less than 2 years ago, is scheduled to complete a half marathon run this week. Lt. Cmdr. Justin Legg received a double lung transplant as a last ditch effort to save his life, after his lungs collapsed from complications in his fight against leukemia. The transplant was in 2010.

Eight months later, he walked a half marathon. Earlier this year he attempted to climb Mt. McKinley even after doctors advised him not to. He was able to reach the half way point despite his limitations.

His motivation for this latest effort is to raise funds for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, and to honor his 19 year old lung donor, Jared McKinley Carter. If he can raise $50,000, the Society will name a research grant in honor of him.

It is an impressive story, and Legg has the right attitude, telling Fox News, “I believe firmly that we should do something every day that keeps us challenged. For me it’s important to overcome.”

We should do something every day that keeps us challenged. Great advice for all, but even more so for the physically injured. For those who still doubt his resolve, Legg also says, “I feel that I can show people that anything is damn near possible, even when everyone says that it’s impossible.”

That is advice any recovering worker would benefit from by embracing. For those who think they can no longer survive and thrive, a man running 13 miles on borrowed breath is a tough act to ignore.

Related stories in Bob's Series on redefining Disability:

Breaking the Cycle of Entitlement: How Do We Get Better?
Some Angry Injured Workers Completely Missed My Point, but Also Proved It
Angry Injured Workers, This is What I’m Talking About! (Video)
Understanding the Alternative Realities of a Total Disability State of Mind
Choosing Disability for Fame, Man Keeps 100 Pound Scrotum
Defining the Difference Between Permanent and Surmountable Disability
Owning Your Disability

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