In 24 hours, a rare bacterial infection turned healthy 17 year old John Tartaglio to 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. FROM TRAGEDY TO TRIUMPH is his story of perseverance over a heartbreaking circumstance as incomprehensible as it is seemingly insurmountable. Amputated up to his hipbones 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 will help: - How you think about yourself - How you approach problems - How you manage expectations and achieve your 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, FROM TRAGEDY TO TRIUMPH can positively impact your life.
About the Author: 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 November 2009 John became the first person with no legs ever to run a marathon. John, a 2009 graduate of Fairfield University, will be an MBA graduate from the University of Connecticut in 2014. He loves competing in triathlons, road races, and cycling events and spending time with his wife and daughter along with other family and friends. Andrew Chapin always dreamed of being a published author, working tirelessly to hone his craft and realize this goal. In 2010, John Tartaglio offered him the break he was looking for-a chance to develop a book about John's life, an idea that eventually spawned FROM TRAGEDY TO TRIUMPH. Andrew, who majored in English and graduated from Fairfield University in 2009, recently completed his MS in adolescent English education at Iona College. He currently teaches middle school English at Thornton-Donovan School in New Rochelle, NY. Thankful for the family and friends who have enabled him to pursue his passion, Andrew looks forward to the boundless possibilities that lie ahead.