LIZ'S STORY
From a near-death experience to embracing a new lease on life, my message to you is that anything is possible when you tap into the power of perspective.
September 28, 2007
A clipping from the Kenosha newspaper published the day after the accident, capturing the early details surrounding the incident.
September 29, 2007
In the days following the accident, I was in critical condition. Flight for Life transported me from Kenosha Medical Center to Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin immediately following the accident. My mom never left my side.
October 13, 2007
Still recovering and unable to attend the Homecoming dance, I was surprised with a celebration at the hospital. Pictured here are Billy (friend), Joey Clark (brother), Justin (cousin), Sarah (cousin), Bailey (friend), and Nick (cousin).
October 13, 2007
Surrounded by friends and family in the hospital, I celebrated Homecoming in my own way. Since I couldn’t wear my dress, my mom brought a special, shiny purple blanket to mark the occasion.
October 17, 2007
The day before I was discharged from the hospital. As part of physical therapy, I practiced swinging a small racket—missing tennis dearly. Just like on the court, I couldn’t help but shout “C’mon!” with each swing. Words cannot express the joy I felt on this day.
October 18, 2007
The day I returned home from the hospital for the first time since the accident. My younger siblings waited in the driveway to welcome me back. I was overwhelmed with happiness the moment I saw their smiles. Pictured here are Christopher (Fur), Kara, and Jay.
October 18, 2007
The day I returned home was especially meaningful as it was my little brother Jay’s 8th birthday. He told me the best gift that year was having me back, and I was grateful I didn’t have to miss celebrating his special day. Pictured here are my brothers Fur, Joey, Jay and my mom.
February 12, 2009
More than a year had passed since the accident. Each birthday I celebrated after felt increasingly more meaningful, a reminder of how lucky I was to be alive. There was no place I’d rather be than surrounded by my family. Pictured here are all my siblings and my mom (with my dad behind the camera).
December 13, 2011
Recovering from one of my many ankle surgeries, with my Papa by my side. If it hadn’t been for his advice on treating my liver injury in the critical days after the accident, I may not have survived.
August 28, 2012
With my boyfriend at the time, “Spencer B.” I’m forever grateful for the fateful night we met, just over a year before this photo was taken. Soulmates and best friends for life.
May 17, 2014
Delivering the Commencement Speech at my graduation from Concordia University Wisconsin. Titled “Why Not Us?”, my speech encouraged my fellow graduates to believe that we can achieve anything we set our minds to.
May 17, 2014
Walking across the stage to receive my diploma, filled with excitement and optimism about the future ahead.
February 25, 2016
Bright and early, the morning of my amputation, with my mom and dad by my side. As my t-shirt read, “I can and I will.” Although nervous about the road ahead, I was determined to face the challenge with optimism. I was eager for the opportunities that awaited.
February 25, 2016
The first moments waking up after the amputation, with my husband, Spencer, by my side. When I realized the procedure was already over, I felt an overwhelming sense of relief, hope and excitement.
March 1, 2016
Spencer and I taking a stroll on the Oklahoma University Medical Center campus after the amputation. Soon, I would be discharged and begin the journey back home to Wisconsin.
Pictured here is “The Survivor Tree,” located in the heart of Oklahoma City, a symbol of resilience after the 1995 bombing. Spencer and I visited it during the months before my amputation, when we traveled for my pre-op visit. This image hung on the wall of my bedroom in the months following the amputation, serving as a constant reminder of hope and growth.
This collage represents my journey of resilience and hope, where I transformed from limited to limitless. From playing wheelchair tennis, to saying goodbye to my right foot, to walking in my first prosthetic, and even taking up golf, I am grateful for every moment and every lesson along the way.
March 8, 2016
Recovering at home. I used this time to build my mental strength while slowly working to restore my physical strength—one step at a time.
May 16, 2016
Part 1 of my custom prosthetic complete: my first silicone liner. Just one day away from stepping into my very first prosthetic.
May 17, 2016
My very first prosthetic leg. I wasn’t prepared for the intense pain caused by severed nerves from the amputation, but despite it all, I was filled with excitement—knowing each day would bring progress, healing, and a step closer to being pain-free.
July 25, 2016
Just two months into wearing my prosthetic, and I was already back on the tennis courts. Though things felt different, I was amazed by the abilities my new leg gave me.
February 25, 2017
I earned my first gold medal in a para-athletic track meet. What made this race especially meaningful was that I ran it exactly one year after my amputation.
January 24, 2018
My first “runway foot.” This new prosthetic leg allowed me to wear high heels again—something I had long given up on and never imagined would be possible. Now my only question was, “Where’s the red carpet?”
August 18, 2018
I attended my first running clinic with the Challenged Athletes Foundation in Evanston, IL. Pictured with me is Dr. David DelToro, my Physical Medicine and Rehab doctor—the first person to help me see the world of possibilities that amputation could offer.
April 26, 2019
After a long journey and a high-risk pregnancy, Spencer and I welcomed our son, Gordon Michael—thanks to Dr. Aida Shanti and the incredible team at the Aurora Medical Center fertility clinic in West Allis. Pictured here are one-month-old Gordon and me visiting Dr. Shanti.
June 23, 2019
We welcomed Gordon into the Catholic Church with a special ceremony alongside our dear Deacon Rich. Throughout my high-risk pregnancy, Deacon Rich prayed with me daily, bringing us closer to God during a challenging time. God is good!
August 12, 2019
My first visit to Prosthetic & Orthotic Associates (POA) as a new mom, five months postpartum. I approached the challenge of balancing motherhood and life as an amputee with optimism and an open heart. Pictured with me is baby Gordon.
February 19, 2021
My first visit to POA as a mom of two, four months postpartum. My hands were full, but my heart was even fuller. Pictured with me are Gordon and baby Teddy.
July 29, 2022
My first visit to POA as a mom of three, just two months postpartum. With three little ones to chase after, my prosthetic fittings became more frequent—I had to stay one step ahead! Pictured with me are Gordon, Teddy, and our newest addition, baby Jackson.
During our POA visit in February 2021, Spencer and I had the privilege of golfing alongside Stan Patterson, the owner and founder of POA, and Roger Underhill, my incredible prosthetist, who turns so many possibilities into reality for me.
July 23, 2023
At POA, working on my “runway foot.” I’m grateful for the chance to experiment with cute and fun shoes, making fashion and function come together with my prosthetic leg.
October 8, 2023
6:17 am – Race morning in the pre-race hospitality area with Team GLASA (Great Lakes Adaptive Sports Association) before the Chicago Marathon. Spencer and I were honored to run alongside over 100 incredible teammates, having personally raised over $30,000 to support adaptive sports.
October 8, 2023
6:48 am– GLASA’s motto is “Let no one sit on the sideline.” And that day, I had no intention of sitting out—I was ready to show up, give it my all, and run with purpose.
October 8, 2023
6:59 am – Written on my arms were powerful reminders of the people, dates, and organizations that have shaped my journey—family, friends, meaningful milestones, and causes close to my heart. I ran in honor of each one, carrying their impact with me every step.
October 8, 2023
10:43 am – My one and only “leg stop” during the Chicago Marathon—mile 15, right at Charity Mile, where our amazing family was waiting with my gear. Pictured here is Gordon proudly holding up my running blade as I swapped out silicone liners. With a quick kiss to the kids, I smiled and said, “See you in 11 miles!”
October 8, 2023
12:53 pm – Hand-in-hand, Spencer and I approached the finish line of the Chicago Marathon. After 5 hours and 35 seconds—and all the moments, miles, and memories leading up to it—WE DID IT!
October 8, 2023
1:31 pm – A proud post-marathon moment with the whole family. Spencer and I proudly wore our medals with gratitude, surrounded by our kids whose smiles and hugs brought the perfect celebration to the finish line.
October 8, 2023
1:34 pm – Our “village” and cheering squad on marathon day. This moment was made even sweeter with them by our side, cheering us on every step of the way. Pictured here are Eric and Catherine (cousin), Jay (brother), Teddy, myself, Spencer, Gordon, Mama B (Spencer’s mom), Fur (brother), and my mom and dad.
July 19, 2024
One of my many visits to POA. A new prosthetic fitting for mom is always a family affair, and the kids love being part of the process. Pictured with me are Gordon, Teddy and Jackson.
