MELLISSA STOCKWELLOVERCOMING THE DISABLING MINDSET

a presentation by Benjamin Barrus, Cameron Trujillo, Alicia Taylor, Tauna Vanderlinden, Stephanie Howard, Cheryl Asaro, Adrienne Shulze

April 13, 2004• “After 24 years of having

both my legs, I was suddenly missing one, taken from me by a roadside bomb on the streets of Iraq.” –

Melissa Stockwell (After waking in the ER in Baghdad.)

Walter Reed Army Medical Center• Moved to Maryland for therapy after accident.• Remained positive by focusing on her:

– Three good limbs– Eyesight– Mind

• “It was then that I made a promise to live my life for those that didn’t make it back and who gave the ultimate sacrifice” (The Veterans Site)

"Every amputee at one point or another has to make a decision. Do you live in the past and wonder why me, and all that kinda thing? Or do you just accept it and move on?...

… And I think I accepted it really early on, that I'm not gonna get my

leg back. So I'm just gonna go on.”

(Schorn, 2006)

–Melissa Stockwell

Triumphs• 52 days later took

first steps with prosthetic.

• Introduced to swimming while at Walter Reed.

Minnesota• Moved after medical discharge.• Attended school to study career in prosthetics.• Put career on hold after learning of 2008 Paralympic Games in

Beijing.• Began training vigorously in swimming and ultimately won a spot

on the 2008 team.

Beijing• Widely known as member of USA swim team.• Did not win spot in finals.• “ As disappointed as I was, I couldn't have been prouder to be a

part of team USA, representing this great country once again. I had the honor of being chosen to carry the American flag into the 'Bird's Nest' during closing ceremonies and realized that sometimes the journey to get somewhere is more important than the destination and the number of medals you win.” (The Veterans Site)

Olympic failure = motivation

• Completed prosthetic residency• Passed board exam to be a certified prothetist.• Training for 2016 Paralympic Games in Brazil.• Will compete in para-triathlon.

Career• Very rewarding• Focuses time working as prosthetist. • Helps victims who have lost limbs to regain confidence and

independence.

Inspiration to others• Happy, active, and energetic• “I have done more with one leg than I ever would have

done with two” ("The inspiring triumph," 2009)

Positive Impact• Immeasurable• Shining example of courage and perseverance.• Provided hope and been a role model to disabled.• “Once an athlete, always an athlete. I can do things I never

imagined doing with both my legs.”(Melissa Stockwell.com)

Daily life• 3 different prosthetic legs:

– Walking– Biking– Running

• Daily activities:– Running– Cycling– Anything she desires

“I challenge myself more than I ever have because I can” (Smetanka, 2005)

– Melissa Stockwell

Pro’s and Cons to Online Collaboration

PROS• Everyone was able to vote on

topic• Group members took on roles

and delegations were made.

CONS• Late/delayed responses• Could not speak face to face

What We Learned• Attitude makes all the difference no matter the circumstances.• With the right mindset, anyone can turn tragedy into triumph, as did Melissa

Stockwell.

Bibliography• Smetanka, M. J., & Writer, S. (2005, Dec 07). Star Tribune. Wounded Vet Not

Breaking Step ; A Bomb in Iraq Cost Melissa Stockwell a Leg, But it Hasn't Sapped Her Spirit or Her Intention to Help Other Amputees. Retrieved from

website:  http://search.proquest.com/docview/427768080?accountid=28671

• Schorn, D. (Performer) (2006). In CBS News. New York, NY: CBS News. The Wounds of War, New Population of Wounded Veterans Emerge [Television

series episode]. Retrived from website: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/the-wounds-of-war/

• New York, NY: CBS News. The Insider. (2009). The Inspiring Triumph of Melissa Stockwell Retrieved from website: http://www.youtube.com/watch?

v=IzJU7V24AKQ

• The Veterans Site ( 2000, J) Olympian Melissa Stockwell. Retrieved from website: http://theveteranssite.greatergood.com/clickToGive/vet/article/A-

Special-Veteran-and-Olympian-Melissa-Stockwell714

• Stockwell, M. (2013, month) About Me. Retrieved from website: http://www.melissastockwell.com/Melissa_Stockwell/About_Me.html