As Tom Whittaker struggled to keep conscious the night of 27 November 1979, his thoughts focused on a singular plea: Please, don't let them take my legs. Earlier that evening, a drunk driver struck Tom's VW van on an isolated, snow-covered road in Idaho and shattered his legs -- and his dreams. When he awoke from emergency surgery, the 31-year-old mountaineer's right leg had been amputated at mid-shin and his right kneecap removed. Devastated, he pondered suicide. Finally it occurred to him: you don't need your lower leg to kayak. Seven months after the accident, Tom hobbled down to the south fork of the Payette River, and began paddling. In the years since then, Tom has not only taken his life back, he's taken his family, his fellow sportsmen, and hundreds of thousands of disabled and able-bodied people to the top of the world. In May 1998, Tom became the first amputee to summit Mount Everest. The climb and his inspirational story, as well as his work on behalf of disabled people around the world, have earned him the recognition as one of America's most courageous heroes.
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2 of 3 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
achieving dreams,
By "arclong" (Maryland USA) - See all my reviews
This review is from: Higher Purpose: The Heroic Story of the First Disabled Man to Conquer Everest (Hardcover)
Many hurdles confront all of us in our lives. This feat is a great read for those who appreciate outdoor adventure or for those who appreciate great achievement in the face of adversity. It is also a real good "growing up" story. Tom Whittaker was a bit of a rambunctious teenager. He is a weathered, maybe a bit feisty but gentle adult. One part of his achievement, a remarkable one, but not the key, is that he has had to adapt to a Syme's amputation in continuing to live the life he chooses.
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