During the Boston Marathon bombing, Heather Abbott was struck by shrapnel and forced to make the most agonizing decision of her life: to amputate her leg from the knee down.
Abbott, hosted by the Union Activities Council, brings her story to Emporia State University on April 12, 2017, speaking on many aspects of her journey, from recovery to overcoming adversity.
After her support system played an enormous role in her transition and recovery, Abbott was inspired to pay it forward. She became a certified Peer Counselor for the American Amputee Coalition to help other amputees adjust to their “new normal.” Abbott also started the Heather Abbott Foundation, which provides custom prostheses to those who have suffered limb loss through traumatic events.
Abbott’s work with her foundation, her advocacy for victims of limb loss, and her motivational speaking has gained her national recognition. She was awarded the 2014 Orthopedic Association’s Spirit of an Active Lifestyle Award, an Honorary Doctorate in Humane Letters from Framingham State University, the 2015 Stonehill College President’s Excellence Award and was named Providence Business News Woman to Watch.
“We are excited to have a Boston Marathon bombing survivor here on campus,” said Kalee Schultz, a member of UAC. “This is a great honor to have her come to Emporia and share her story.”
Abbott’s talk will be held at 7 p.m. April 12 in Albert Taylor Hall. The event is free and open to the public.