YOUR UNTHINKABLES

David Sherman

Professional Football Player/Father Walks Again Sports and athletic competition defined David Sherman’s life. As a former part-time NFL Washington Redskin and European football player, he played through countless injuries » more

SSgt Carl (Steve-O) Clendenning Jr USMC active duty

Wounded Warrior does the Unthinkable Steve-O is an active duty Marine stationed at Wounded Warrior Battalion East at Camp Lejeune, NC. » more

Jessica and Anthony Rankin

A Mother’s Difficult Choice to amputate her child’s foot Anthony (Ant) Rankin was born with a very rare bone disease called Maffucci Syndrome. By the time he was a toddler his right leg was shorter than his left » more

Jason Gunter

jason gunterFireman/Lawyer loses 2 limbs; and attempts Hawaiian Ironman After watching video of Scott Rigsby completing the Ford Ironman Triathlon World Championship in Kona, Hawaii as a double amputee, Jason was inspired to enter » more

Sonya Parks

Amputation ends a decade of pain and grows a hero A fall from her husband’s semi truck resulted in a broken ankle. Such an injury may sound simple unless the bones didn’t just break but shattered. » more

Kim Houk

Dental Infection led to Quadruple Amputation and new hope In October, 2007, Kim went to the dentist and soon after spent a month in ICU, underwent open heart surgery, lost her heartbeat three times... » more

Jessica and (son) Anthony Rankin: A Mother's Difficult Choice to Amputate

Anthony (Ant) Rankin was born with a very rare bone disease called Maffucci Syndrome.  By the time he was a toddler his right leg was shorter than his left by 3.5 inches due to tumors in his leg.  When Ant was three, a specialist suggested above the knee amputation so he could live a normal life but his parents wrestled with making such a life-altering decision for a child too young to decide for himself. The question that struck his Mom to the core was, "Will he hate me one day for choosing to have his leg amputated?"
 
As they contemplated their decision, Ant's speech therapist told Ant's mom, Jessica, about Scott Rigsby. Clearly this man had accomplished amazing things as a double amputee and she was eager to meet him.  And, that's just what she did when Scott visited Cour D'Alene. Their meeting reassured these loving parents that Ant would not be held back in life because of losing part of his leg; rather he would be able to accomplish far more without the hindrance of a huge shoe lift and painful tumors. Just as Scott's left foot had hindered his mobility, so had the tumors in Ant's right leg.
 
Before long, three-year-old Ant had his leg amputated.  Six months later, in early 2009, he received his new leg and now four-year-old Ant was jumping!  He was able to do things he had never done before.  In a matter of months he had his own Unthinkable dream.
 
Ant completed the KMC Kids Triathlon during the first summer with his new leg.  When he received his medal he beamed and exclaimed, "Now, I am just like Scott! He's my hero." Not even in kindergarden yet, Ant has crossed one finish line but it won't be his last.  His parents are sure that this determined boy will accomplish whatever he sets his mind to. 
 
"You can do everything everyone else does; you just may have to do it a little bit differently." Just ask Ant!



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