Up and Running

Jami*, a double below the knee amputee, has been up and running for the last twenty-one years. A remarkable feat given she wasn’t a fan of exercising before losing her legs.

In her book, Up and Running, Jami wrote, “I loved the feeling of running right from the beginning.”

* Her real name is used with permission.

Change the Course of a Person’s Life

“On December 23, 1987, I learned that a seemingly insignificant mistake can change the course of a person’s life forever. I was driving home from a ski trip to spend the holidays with my family when I took a turn onto a seldom traveled road.”

A blizzard. Subzero temperatures. In Arizona. For eleven days.

Jami and her friend, Lisa, simply followed the directions of a gas station attendant. Innocently turning down a road in her Mini-Blazer took them to a spot where they would “live” for eleven days. Three days in, they tried to make an escape, but falling into snow up to their knees put an abrupt end to their plan.

“Little did I know those were the last steps I would ever take on my own two feet,” Jami wrote.

Suffering from Frostbite

Michael Estes and his twelve-year old son, Jake, drove up in their snowmobiles on the eleventh day. When the authorities arrived, Jami didn’t understand she and Lisa were suffering from frostbite in their feet, hands, nose, and face. Thawing out was just the beginning of the painful treatments she endured.

After two weeks of trying to save her legs and feet, the doctors determined her feet were black from gangrene and a life-altering treatment, amputation, was the only option. “I was slowly disappearing, and in order to save my life, my feet would have to go.”

Forty-nine days after being rescued, Jami’s determined and focused work in physical therapy culminated in her walking out of Scottsdale Memorial Hospital to speak at a press conference. (49 days is less than 2 months!!! I AM BLOWN AWAY!)

For the next few years, Jami fought. To learn a new way of life. “When I realized that my only hope for relief was to change my frame of mind, I started viewing pain as an annoyance that I could work with. I was built to keep moving forward and I did, even though it was a constant test to rise above the pain of the day.”

Long Live Sports

Fast forward to 1997. Jami was fitted with “cheetah legs” and then made a decision that would impact the rest of her life. “I had no coach, I had never run in my life, but I was determined to compete in the Paralympics that were scheduled three years hence.”

There was a great deal of falling and getting back up during her training. Unfortunately, she didn’t compete in the 2000 Paralympics. Even though that goal was out of reach, Jami gained something valuable. An immense love for running.

Adidas caught wind of her amazing story and featured her in a Long Live Sports commercial in 1999.

Walked Down the Aisle

Woven into her rehabilitation and training and running, Jami met a good-looking guy named Beau. “He was so different from the other guys I dated, but I never felt so comfortable with anyone. He was fun to be with, we had a lot to talk about, and he showed up for me in a big way.” In April of 2001, Beau and Jami were married.

Reflecting on her wedding day, Jami wrote, “Today, not only was it a miracle that I was alive, it was also a miracle that I walked down the aisle and that Lisa (her friend who was in the car with her) was one of my bridesmaids.”

Beau was and continues to be an incredible support for Jami with all she strives to accomplish.

Jami and Beau have two beautiful children – Tanner 14 and Sydney 12.

A Record Holder

“Running is a gift, plain and simple. The purest form of exhilaration I’ve ever known, it gives me a sense of freedom as I fly through the wind unencumbered, and a sense of accomplishment every time I cross a finish line.”

And just look at all those medals! She has crossed many finish lines!

Check out iamjami.com for a list of all the events she’s participated in and the world records she’s earned!

The most notable one, the 2016 Boston marathon, is definitely one she treasures. She earned the title of the first female double below the knee amputee in the world to finish a marathon! INCREDIBLE!

Jami has partnered with Challenged Athletes Foundation for the last 20 years, because hanging out with and loving on her amputee family is extremely important to her. She participates in their events, but more importantly, she seeks out young amputee athletes to encourage, support, and inspire.

Teacher with Robot Legs

Jami’s not just a runner. From working in preschools with babies and toddlers to earning a degree in child development, Jami simply loves children. In 2010, she added to her degree in child development and earned her teaching credentials. Since then, she’s taught Kindergarten and third grade.

I asked her to describe how she navigates teaching the little ones. And how they view her prosthetic legs. She said, “I sit more often than other teachers. I’ll walk around the room a little and then sit on the edge of a table to keep my limbs from getting sore. And I guess they think of me as their teacher with robot legs.”

In the fall, she’ll be teaching fourth grade. Not only is she excited about teaching those students academics, but she’s also looking forward to being a role model for them on a daily basis and giving them an awareness about people with different abilities.

The Strength You Have Within

When I interviewed Jami, it was quite a challenge to quickly write down all the positive things she shared. It just flows out of her!

When you read the following quotes, remember the horrifying experience of being stuck in a snow storm for 11 days. Remember the doctors had to amputate both of her legs when she was just 19 years old. Remember the years of training she endured to run all those races and break those records.

• “I don’t want my life to be a pity party. Life is too valuable to waste like that.”
• “I’ve learned that passing the big tests in life tends to make the small ones seem insignificant.”
• “Have an attitude of gratitude. I get to wake up each morning and put my legs on. I didn’t die.”
• “Each morning when you wake up, think about your blessings and not your misgivings.”
• “Accept others. Love all. Leave an impact on this world.”
• “Take time for yourself. Find joy and happiness.”
• It’s OK to open your arms to the people who want to help you. Accept their love and support.
• “Acknowledge the strength you have within.”

And my favorite is, “Overcoming is living your life full of love, passion, and perseverance.”

Up and Running

On the last page of Jami’s book, she quotes Charles Lindbergh’s wife, Anne, about his death: “Don’t worry about me. I’m equal to my life.”

Jami then wrote: “I have no idea what’s coming next in my own life, which is what makes it so compelling. But in the spirit of Mrs. Lindbergh, I can only say that whatever it is, nobody has to worry about me. I’m ready, I’m waiting, and I’m up and running.”

When Jami published her book in 2001, she didn’t know she would face a diagnosis of breast cancer in 2016. But in true Jami fashion, she fought with all her might. The combination of radiation treatments and integrative medicine resulted in clear scans in 2017.

Jami was honored to walk the runway at the Phoenix Fashion Week “Fashionably Pink” show in September of 2017. She was a gorgeous runway model. What a beautiful dress AND smile!

Warriors of Hope

Just last week, Jami learned her non-profit charity, Warriors of Hope, was approved! Her purpose is to share her experiences of overcoming amputation of her legs and overcoming breast cancer, as well as answering questions and offering advice to those who are facing illness or obstacles in their lives.

Just one more way Jami is giving back!

Leave a reply (below): Jami has shared so much wisdom and such an incredible positive outlook on life in her overcomer story. Since I know Jami will be reading the comments and replying to them, what encouragement can you leave for her? How has she inspired you?