Emory

Emory’s journey began with news no family is ever prepared to hear.

After being diagnosed with osteosarcoma, a type of bone cancer, Emory and her family faced a series of difficult decisions. When doctors explained that the tumor was too close to her growth plate and that amputation needed to be considered, the diagnosis felt like another devastating blow. While her family grappled with the weight of the moment, Emory approached it with quiet courage. After talking through what lay ahead, including the possibility of losing her leg, she simply nodded and said, “Okay.”

Following her amputation, adjusting to life with a prosthetic leg took time. With the return to school approaching, however, Emory became determined to learn how to use and rely on her prosthesis. The goals during the early stages of her recovery were simple but meaningful. She focused on wearing her prosthetic leg throughout the day and rebuilding confidence in movement after completing chemotherapy.

As her strength returned, Emory discovered something unexpected: martial arts.
She first began karate shortly after chemotherapy, where her instructor, Master Gary, played an important role in helping her reconnect with her body and explore how it could move in new ways. Martial arts gave Emory more than physical training. It gave her space to problem-solve, adapt, and realize that creativity and determination could overcome many obstacles. She eagerly accepted the invitation to join another local martial arts school and has remained dedicated ever since.

Along the way, Emory has also embraced opportunities to try new adaptive sports, including three-track skiing and amputee soccer. Each experience has helped her continue building confidence, balance, and independence while discovering new ways to stay active and challenge herself.

While Emory quickly developed strength, balance, and skill, some of the greatest challenges were social rather than physical. Learning to navigate questions, stares, and curiosity from others, especially when wearing shorts or skirts, wasn’t always easy. Over time, she learned to meet those moments with humor and confidence in herself.
One of Emory’s most defining milestones came when her martial arts school encouraged her to enter a competition. She was nervous about stepping onto the mat and afraid of failing, but with encouragement from her instructor, she chose to show up anyway. That decision paid off in an unforgettable way. Emory earned several medals, including a first-place finish, proving to herself what she was capable of achieving.

Her dedication has continued to stand out. This past fall, Emory was invited to become a training instructor at her martial arts school, an honor typically reserved for students two years older. Though she was nervous at first, she humbly embraced the opportunity and was honored to take on the role.

Today, Emory continues to grow in confidence as she learns to better understand and express her experiences as an amputee. With each new challenge, she is discovering just how much she is capable of accomplishing.
When asked what advice she would share with others, Emory’s personality shines through:
“It’s nobody’s business how you lost your limb. Make stuff up and be creative—I once convinced someone I lost my leg taming a lion.”

Emory’s story is a reminder that courage is found in showing up, trying something new, and discovering strength along the way.

Emory’s journey began with news no family is ever prepared to hear.

After being diagnosed with osteosarcoma, a type of bone cancer, Emory and her family faced a series of difficult decisions. When doctors explained that the tumor was too close to her growth plate and that amputation needed to be considered, the diagnosis felt like another devastating blow. While her family grappled with the weight of the moment, Emory approached it with quiet courage. After talking through what lay ahead, including the possibility of losing her leg, she simply nodded and said, “Okay.”

Following her amputation, adjusting to life with a prosthetic leg took time. With the return to school approaching, however, Emory became determined to learn how to use and rely on her prosthesis. The goals during the early stages of her recovery were simple but meaningful. She focused on wearing her prosthetic leg throughout the day and rebuilding confidence in movement after completing chemotherapy.

As her strength returned, Emory discovered something unexpected: martial arts.
She first began karate shortly after chemotherapy, where her instructor, Master Gary, played an important role in helping her reconnect with her body and explore how it could move in new ways. Martial arts gave Emory more than physical training. It gave her space to problem-solve, adapt, and realize that creativity and determination could overcome many obstacles. She eagerly accepted the invitation to join another local martial arts school and has remained dedicated ever since.

Along the way, Emory has also embraced opportunities to try new adaptive sports, including three-track skiing and amputee soccer. Each experience has helped her continue building confidence, balance, and independence while discovering new ways to stay active and challenge herself.

While Emory quickly developed strength, balance, and skill, some of the greatest challenges were social rather than physical. Learning to navigate questions, stares, and curiosity from others, especially when wearing shorts or skirts, wasn’t always easy. Over time, she learned to meet those moments with humor and confidence in herself.
One of Emory’s most defining milestones came when her martial arts school encouraged her to enter a competition. She was nervous about stepping onto the mat and afraid of failing, but with encouragement from her instructor, she chose to show up anyway. That decision paid off in an unforgettable way. Emory earned several medals, including a first-place finish, proving to herself what she was capable of achieving.

Her dedication has continued to stand out. This past fall, Emory was invited to become a training instructor at her martial arts school, an honor typically reserved for students two years older. Though she was nervous at first, she humbly embraced the opportunity and was honored to take on the role.

Today, Emory continues to grow in confidence as she learns to better understand and express her experiences as an amputee. With each new challenge, she is discovering just how much she is capable of accomplishing.
When asked what advice she would share with others, Emory’s personality shines through:
“It’s nobody’s business how you lost your limb. Make stuff up and be creative—I once convinced someone I lost my leg taming a lion.”

Emory’s story is a reminder that courage is found in showing up, trying something new, and discovering strength along the way.