Nicolas James Vujicic

Nick Vujicic at Bayside Church (http://fooyoh.com/iamchiq_living_lifestyle/5194189)

What is my definition of a hero? Someone who makes a difference, who is willing to go beyond for other people, one who can make people realize that you can do anything if you stick your mind to it, and they show that if you fall, you can pick yourself back up and again and keep trying. Born in Australia, with no limbs, my hero is Nicolas James Vujicic (Vooy-cheech). He has been a Christian most of his life. He also may be different from everyone else, but he lives most of his life as he would if he did have limbs. He’s a motivational speaker who changes lives every day, every where, all around the world. Including mine.

He currently lives in Los Angeles, California, just making a massive move from Australia. He is, as of now, 28 years old and is not married, but he said, “I would love to get married and start a family but I’m waiting for the right girl to come along.” Due to his faith as an Evangelical Christian, Nick has decided to stay a virgin until marriage although he has had long-term girlfriends in the past.

He is the oldest of his family and was born with Tetra-Amelia, a disease where you are born with no limbs (arms, legs, hands, etc.). He was and is still limbless. No arms and no legs. He doesn’t have toes either except for the two on his one left foot. Other than that, Nick was completely healthy.

Nick working his way through life (http://www.indiancinemafans.com/board/upload/story-pics-111/life-without-limbs-nick-vujicic-brave-young-man-43221/)

When he was ready to go to school, he was one of the first disabled people to attend a mainstream school. At school, he was bullied - which led to depression at age 8 - which then caused the thought of suicide. At age 10 Nick tried to drown himself in 6 inches of water. Fortunately, because his parents loved him, he couldn’t go through with it. Being a Christian, he prayed to God asking for arms and legs. Eventually he realized, instead of being self-pitiful, he could go around the world sharing his story, spreading the word of God and be an inspiration to others like him. Then, Nick began to embrace his disability instead of neglecting it. He started by trying to master the every day business. Examples include, brushing his teeth, combing his hair, showering, shaving and answering the phone. He eventually learned to throw tennis balls, swim, play drum pedals, surf, and even golf. He can still do many activities that we normal people do today.

Nick surfing with Bethany Hamiliton (www.dailymail.co.uk/news/worldnews/article-1196755/The-astonishing-story-man-born-arms-legs--world-famous-swimmer-surfer-footballer.html)

He’s my hero because he has gone through life with no limbs, yet he helps other people through his belief in God. He constantly goes through everyday struggles, plus he has to work different ways to go through a day, and he helps other people in need. That is my hero. He makes everyone appreciate themselves; he has fallen many times and picked himself back up again. People have also seen him achieve many accomplishments if he sticks his mind to it. He has also taught me many things. I can do anything if I just work hard enough. I’ve met him, and he’s a great Christian with a strong faith. The lesson he taught me has gone with me throughout my life. I have had relationship/family troubles for the past couple years and thanks to him, I have not given up and I have been moving forward with life. When I look at his troubles and mine, I see that he has done gone through more than I have and he hasn’t given up. That’s why Nick Vujicic is my hero.