Aimee Copeland, a graduate student at The University of Georgia in 2012, had no idea that taking a few days off with her friends would change her life forever. They decided to visit a small lake and experience the thrill of ziplining over the water. Little did they know, this adventure would take a tragic turn.
As Aimee took her turn on the zipline, the line suddenly snapped, causing her to plummet towards a cliff. The accident resulted in the loss of one of her limbs, and the horror didn’t end there. Aimee’s wound became infected with flesh-eating germs, putting her life in immediate danger.
Doctors diagnosed her with necrotizing fasciitis, also known as a flesh-eating disease, which required multiple surgeries and a challenging rehabilitation journey. Sadly, she had to undergo amputations of both her hands and legs to save her life.
Yet, Aimee coped with her new reality with remarkable strength and resilience. Four years after the accident, a photo of her confidently wearing a bikini on the beach, proudly showcasing her scars and amputations, went viral on social media. Aimee’s message resonated with people across the world, inspiring them to embrace their imperfections and find beauty in their flaws.
In her own words, “We are ALL made with imperfections, and there is so much beauty in our flaws. The scars and skin grafting build character! It’s not about what you have — what you do with what you have is what really counts.”
Today, Aimee continues to motivate others through her advocacy work for amputee and disability rights. In addition to her advocacy activities, she is pursuing a Ph.D. in psychology at the University of West Georgia.
Aimee’s incredible journey is a testament to the power of courage, resilience, and the unwavering spirit to overcome adversity. She serves as an inspiration to people of all ages and backgrounds, showing that no matter what life throws at us, we can choose to rise above it.
Let’s celebrate Aimee’s strength and bravery by sharing her story with our friends and family on Facebook. Together, let’s spread inspiration and positivity.
Watch this video to learn more about Aimee’s remarkable journey:
