From Tragedy to Triumph ─ The Story of John Tartaglio

In 24 hours, a rare bacterial infection turned healthy 17-year-old John Tartaglio into a double-leg amputee, but 15 hours and 59 minutes is all that it took for him to reclaim the life that he had left behind. This is his story of perseverance over a heartbreaking circumstance as incomprehensible as it is seemingly insurmountable. Amputated up to his hip bones and told he would never walk again, John did not give up on life. Instead, he rose to do what others said he could not. Walking, running, competing, but most importantly living, he proved to them what he had always known—his disability did not define him; he defined his disability. Sharing his journey, insight, and perspective helps readers in how they think about themselves, approach problems, manage expectations, and achieve goals. From those with mobility issues who need to be reminded that living an independent life is possible, to the athletes who need to push and challenge themselves that much more—and everyone in between—John's story can positively impact lives.

John Tartaglio is a professional motivational speaker who has traveled across the nation telling his story. His mission is to inspire people to pursue what they value and, in doing so, allow them to see that they can achieve anything they want. Only five years after being told that he would never walk again, in 2009, John became the first person with no legs to run a marathon in 2009. He loves competing in triathlons, road races, and cycling events. He lives in Milford, Connecticut.Andrew Chapin is a middle-school English teacher with an MS in adolescent English education. He lives in New York City.