Greenville C-Leg® Wearer Bikes Across State of South Carolina
Says computer-controlled prosthetic leg has revolutionized his life
“I was just a teenager when I learned that obstacles can seem insurmountable. But, like I tell my children, if you focus and set a goal, anything is possible.”
- Bryant Young, lower limb amputee
Bryant Young was enjoying his freshman year in college preparing for a promising future as a Division I college basketball player when a tragic accident changed his life forever. While sledding in the California mountains near Lake Tahoe, Bryant was run over by a three-quarter ton truck, his chest, hips and left leg crushed under the weight of its wheels. Doctors were unable to restore circulation, and the decision to amputate was made a week later.
Though he at first suffered a predictable bout of depression, Bryant’s trademark positive attitude soon resurfaced. “I found satisfaction in sharing my story of God’s mercy in sparing my life, and in taking every opportunity to show others that life was worth living, regardless of one’s physical circumstances.”
Now, twenty-three years following the loss of his leg, he’s found yet another way - a very big way - to illustrate living life to the fullest.
Beginning May 7th, Bryant will travel nearly 350 miles in a six-day bike trek across the state of South Carolina. Bryant’s primary goal is to continue to be an example to his five young children of someone who faces life’s obstacles head-on. A second and equally meaningful motivation is to raise funds for the BCFC Christian Academy in Kenya, Africa, in an effort to assist with the education and care of the 430 students who attend the school. His website shares more information at http://bryantyoung.ning.com/.
Helping Bryant overcome daily obstacles is his high-tech C-Leg. The world’s first completely computer-controlled prosthetic leg, the C-Leg uses on-board sensors and microprocessors to anticipate and adapt to a person's movement and immediately adjusts 50 times per second to changes in walking speed and direction. Because the
C-Leg provides crucial knee stability the moment it is needed, users are able to walk down stairs and ramps and maneuver rough terrain without the fear of falling.
