When Michelle Endicott of Grove City had her leg amputated due to cancer, she wanted to show her kids that life goes on and she just needed to push forward. She wanted them to know that you can get past anything and be a stronger person because of it. You just have to be determined!
And that she is.
In October 2010, Michelle was diagnosed with a rare cancer in her left foot, resulting in a below-the-knew amputation. It was a long journey to get back to normal – if you can call it that – but with the love and support from her husband of 13 years, Jamie, her three boys – Jacob, Ryan, and Preston – family, friends, neighbors, and even complete strangers, Michelle pushed through.
She faced many challenges and she’ll tell you that without her husband, family and friends sticking by her through all of it, she never would have made it. She lived in a 5-split-level home, worked, and had a family to take care of. “There were definitely days I was ready to give up. But I was very determined I was going to walk, run, dance, and jump up and down just like before. And I did it! There isn’t anything I can’t do today that I didn’t do before.” Michelle encourages others to “find your why.” Everyone has a purpose and maybe you ask yourself “why?” or “why me?” – how you handle the challenges of your “why” will inspire others. She knows that sometimes God throws you obstacles that you think you could never overcome. Just know that those are tests to show yourself what you’re truly made of and prove to yourself that you can do it!
One of Michelle’s heroes is Aimee Mullins. “Aimee is a double-below-the-knee amputee who had her legs amputated before her 1st birthday. She is now a model, an actress, and an athlete. She also does some public speaking and inspires kids and adults. She says she is not disabled, but “Super-Able.” I like that.”
Michelle would also like to be more involved with the Steps for Sarcoma 5K and be a supporter or mentor of those who are going through the same diagnoses she did. Michelle’s goal now that she’s one of our 2013 “20 Outstanding Women?” “To put my best “foot” forward and be a role model for others. Hopefully when women hear my story I will inspire them to never give up and dream big!”