IRVING (CBSDFW.COM) – Amy Simmons of Irving says she loves to help people, because frankly, she knows what it’s like to be a person in need of help. “When I say I know how you feel, I have literally lived through that,” explained the 27-year-old.
Simmons is an occupational therapist and one day hopes to help patients recover from the same injury that has left her paralyzed from the ribs down. She suffered her injury in a car accident when she was age 17.
Her ten-year road to recovery has brought her one-step away from an Olympic dream. “For some reason, it always stuck with me that I’m going to do that one day.”
Simmons has qualified for the Paralympic Trials in Indianapolis and is vying for one of 53 spots on the U.S. team, which will compete at the Paralympics in London later this summer.
Amy Simmons trains with the javelin. (Photo by Jay Gormley, CBS 11)
She’s been training for a year and half and is trying to double her chances by competing in both the javelin and the shot put. “I’m one of those people that if you tell me I can’t, I will say watch me,” said Simmons.
Amy Simmons of Irving competes in the shot put
Simmons says life in a wheelchair has afforded her more opportunities than ever before and going for the gold is more than just a dream. It’s a lesson in life she simply can’t afford to miss. “I could very easily not be here, and so I take every day as a blessing.”
The Paralympic hopeful will find out Sunday if her dream finally comes true when the U.S. announces its 53-member team. To help Simmons continue her training, click here.
