On April 15, 2013, what is referred to as Marathon Monday in Boston, Heather Abbott of Newport, RI was struck by shrapnel from the second of the two bombs, which severely injured her left foot. She was faced with the agonizing decision of whether to try to save her left foot or to allow doctors to amputate her left leg below the knee. With the help of other amputees and the support from hundreds of thousands around the country, Heather made the difficult decision to live her remaining years as an amputee and use prosthetic legs.

Just four months following the bombing, she was living independently and returned to her job as a Human Resources Manager. Within the first year following her amputation, she started participating in the activities she loves, including paddle boarding, running and wearing high heels. She has become certified as a Peer Counselor by the American Amputee Coalition and is helping other amputees adjust to their “new normal,” as an example of hope and determination. In addition, she is founder of the Heather Abbott Foundation, which provides prosthetic devices to limb loss victims of traumatic circumstances.

Heather has remained a model of strength and resilience. Now a motivational speaker, she is sharing her story with audiences across the country and inspiring others with her contagious optimism and thoughtful reflection on her journey.