Stephanie Decker, Hero Mom Turned Keynote Speaker, Continues to Use Persistence, Goal Setting, and Motivation to Overcome Adversity
(PRWEB) September 06, 2013 -- Stephanie Decker, mother of three and current keynote speaker, experienced a life-changing event over a year ago: a tornado ripped through her town of Henryville, Indiana. With only seconds to spare, her house was lifted off its foundation and she shielded her children from a falling beam, which crushed her legs.
"The hype was all over the news about the weather, and how different of a storm was expected," Stephanie said, recalling the day on March 2nd, 2012. "I can tell you minute by minute what happened, it's like a movie reel in my head."
As she covered her children to protect them, she remembered thinking, "I really thought the last words to them were I love you."
Fortunately, both she and her children survived the tornado, but it was only the beginning as Stephanie had to be taken quickly to the hospital. It was there that she found out both of her legs would have to be amputated.
Throughout this tragic event, Stephanie remained strong. "I'm going to survive this," she said when she learned she would lose her legs.
Since then, Stephanie has been a symbol for overcoming adversity. She now shares her message as a motivational speaker, talking to companies and other organizations and providing plenty of inspiration. Stephanie is always sure to point out during her presentation, "No matter what you're going through, you're not alone in your battle."
She also speaks about how important goal setting is, "whether it's a trainer at the gym, or at school, or at your job, goals hold you accountable ... and the more people who know my goals, the more I have to be accountable." One of Stephanie's goals when she met the President of the United States, was to walk to him unassisted, and she met that goal.
Stephanie also made a goal to walk on the Ellen Show, which she did as well. Today, she keeps setting goals and meeting them. It's in her DNA to continue and keep fighting no matter what the challenge.
One of Stephanie's passions is her Stephanie Decker Foundation which focuses amputee children and adults. Her foundation has partnered with Nubability which helps kids with missing limbs play sports. "To see their faces light up, to see them achieve their goals," Stephanie says, "...and do things like able-bodied kids, [that] is priceless."
Stephanie has also become an advocate through her foundation for amputees having access to high-tech prosthetic, like the one she has, the X3, made from Ottobock. This particular model was designed by the military, but wasn't available for civilians. With the help of President Obama, and Stephanie's persistence, she became the first civilian to try the X3. Had she not fought for the access, the high-tech leg may not have been available for another few years.
Stephanie knows she must continue to overcome adversity, but she says, "it's the heart of my story, and the continuation of my story."
She's often asked, "What's your secret [to overcoming adversity]? It's attitude and outlook. It's what you decide to do when you're challenged."
If organizations are interested in inviting Stephanie Decker to present as a keynote at a conference, convention, business meeting, or lecture series event, contact Eagles Talent.
Eagles Talent Speakers Bureau began in 1979 with the single focus of making a positive impact on organizations by providing thought-provoking professional keynote speakers, top motivational speakers, business thought leaders to clients all over the world for their meetings, conferences, and special events. Eagles Talent has over 30 years of service and believes in people who inspire, educate, and entertain. To contact Eagles Talent Speakers Bureau regarding Stephanie Decker, visit our website http://www.EaglesTalent.com, or call us at 1-800-345-5607.
Sheldon Senek, Eagles Talent Speakers Bureau, http://www.eaglestalent.com, +1 (973) 313-9800, [email protected]
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