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Joining Laura on the podcast this week is the top-ranked female adaptive snowboarder in the U.S., Amy Purdy. Diagnosed with meningococcal meningitis at the age of 19, Amy has gone on to become a three-time World Cup para-snowboard gold medalist, the 2014 Paralympic bronze medalist, and the founder of Adaptive Action Sports, a nonprofit organization that helps youth, young adults, and wounded veterans with physical disabilities get involved with action sports. She is a professional motivational speaker who has been featured at both TEDx and Pop Tech, and is also an actress, model, dancer, clothing designer, and an experienced product spokesperson. In addition to all this, Amy was also the breakout star and a finalist on season 18 of 'Dancing with the Stars'. A true inspiration to us all, Amy shares her incredible story with Laura and her listeners here today.

Amy starts by discussing her love for snowboarding during her teenage years. She then discusses her struggle with her medical condition and how she rose above her hardships through her self-belief. As you listen, you\u2019ll learn of Amy\u2019s many accomplishments, such as securing brand deals and winning a bronze medal. Along the way, you\u2019ll understand Amy\u2019s positive contributions to athletes with disabilities/special needs, and the lessons you learn from this podcast will definitely inspire you to look at difficulties in a whole new way.

Episode Highlights:

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• Amy\u2019s early days when she snowboarded with her friends
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• How meningococcal meningitis impacted Amy
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• Amy\u2019s struggle with self-doubt
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• How Amy discovered a creative solution to help her snowboard
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• How Amy co-founded Adaptive Action Sports
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• Amy\u2019s successes with snowboarding
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• How Amy\u2019s injury complications changed her life
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• Amy\u2019s experiences and how she connects with her audience
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Quotes

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• \u201cSo yeah, so snowboarding really was my passion. That\u2019s what pulled me through my darkest days. And then you know, who would have thought that it would become almost my purpose, right?\u201d
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• \u201cAnd when I woke up from this coma, a few days later, I still have this respirator down my throat. And so, I couldn\u2019t talk. But I wrote out on a piece of paper that I was given a choice and I chose to stay.\u2019\u2019
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• \u201cI was just hanging on, and also incredibly grateful, like to have the opportunity to hang on and fight. And so, gratitude became a big part of not just a practice, but to be honest, like a very natural organic thing for me, because every day I woke up and I was alive, I was grateful whether I\u2019d lost my legs or not.\u2019\u2019
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• \u201cAnd I remember at one point saying, \u2018I don\u2019t know if I can do this, but if anybody can, it\u2019s going to be me.\u2019 \u2018\u2019
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• \u201cI needed a community of people who are like me, and it didn\u2019t really exist and needed something to pull it together.\u2019\u2019
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• \u201cIt\u2019s like going through the valleys of despair and like finding your way out and having these real realizations of what\u2019s really important in life, and how do we get through challenges. And I\u2019ve decided to share the journey along the way.\u2019\u2019
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Show Links

The Pursuit of Gold Homepage\nLife at 10 Meters: Lessons from an Olympic Champion\n5 Smart Strategies to Confidence\nConquer Your Fear in 5 Days

Laura\u2019s Social Media:\nLaura's Instagram\nLaura's Facebook page

Connect With Amy:\nBouncing Forward with Amy Purdy (Spotify)\nAdaptive Action Sports Homepage\nAmy Purdy on Instagram

Resources:\nOn My Own Feet: The Journey from Losing My Legs to Learning the Dance of Life (2014)