Troy Roland—Hockey and Running, Because He Can!

This is post four in a series of sharing your inspiring stories in my quest to take over the negative news media by sharing positive, inspiring stories from others who are…
doing what they can, with what they have, where they are. 

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Last year, I was at dinner with friends and one of them talked about her nephew Troy, who was adjusting to a new normal after an accident changed his life.

She mentioned that he was planning to do a 5k later in the year. Of course, I knew he was someone I wanted to connect with and soon after that we did—first on Facebook and then in real life.

Though our stories are different, they are similar. Both our lives changed suddenly and the changes are with us every day in almost everything we do.

Since his injuries, Troy not only returned to a love of his before the accident—playing street hockey, but he also started a new sport… running! Eleven months after the accident, Troy decided to start running and last December, about 18 months after his accident, I joined him when he ran his first 5k.

Find out more about Troy in this interview…

Janet: Tell us when/how your world changed.

Troy: On 6/11/2010 my world was completely rocked when an SUV ran a stop sign and slammed into the side of me on my motorcycle. I lost my leg that night at the hospital and so that was the start of my life as I know it now.

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How does this affect your daily life?

This affects my daily life in many areas, but some that really stand out are taking showers. I can’t get my prosthetic leg wet because the foot spring is made of steel and that will rust if not properly aired out. So when I shower, I need a seat for safety reasons.

Other things that it affects is that throughout the day I need to remove and replace my leg because it gradually starts to work itself loose through daily activities. I also need to plan ahead the night before about whether or not I will be running or playing hockey the next morning. I need to apply antiperspirant to my stump in order to minimize sweat and therefore my leg will stay on better when participating in strenuous activities.

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What do you miss about your life before the accident?

I miss being able to just jump out of bed in morning without grabbing the crutches. I miss not having to think about climbing steps or running. I also miss being able to stick all ten toes in the sand.

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What obstacles have you overcome that you or others didn’t know if you could?

Along the way there were many obstacles. Each one that I overcome opens up another challenge for me. In order there were a few that come to mind….. walking without support, climbing stairs one foot over the other, running, driving manual transmission, running a 5k, running a 5 mile.

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What dreams and goals have you reached since the accident?

I am now back to doing what I love most, playing hockey. I also have run three 5k races and a 5 mile.

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What dreams and goals do you have for yourself in the future?

My next goal is to finish a 10k in September. I also think about a half-marathon sometime in the future. I want to continue to improve my hockey game as well. I also want to be able to help others realize that they can overcome obstacles in their lives.

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What does a well-lived day look like to you… or in other words, if you knew you were dying tomorrow, what would you do today?

I would run until I couldn’t run anymore. I would enjoy the outdoors. I may light a fire in the fire pit and enjoy the company of my family. I would leave it all out on the hockey rink. I would tell my friends and family how much they’ve helped me through this 2 year journey of mine.

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Enjoy this video Troy put together about his story…

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I’ve been impressed with Troy’s determination
to do what he can, with what he has, where he is… because he can!

Leave Troy a comment, ask him a question and/or give him a virtual high-five for his determination to live life well, even with obstacles to overcome. And visit (and like) his Facebook page, A Leg Up.

One more thing… Troy didn’t ask for this and will probably be annoyed I did this, but what are friends for? At this time, Troy runs on his regular prothesis, but he would like a prothesis made for running… one of those super-cool-metal-bendy ones (I’m sure that’s the official description of them) Of course, insurance doesn’t feel that’s a necessity, so he’s saving his pennies to get one someday. If you are interested in helping him with a gift of any amount, send it to…
Troy Roland - 437 S State Street - Ephrata, PA 17522

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*More of Your Inspiring Stories

Chris Kaag—Doing What He Can, Because He Can!

Running at Age 72 and Age 84—Because They Can!
Living Each Day Well–Because She Can
Running Truly is for all Ages

Beverly Shantz, Living and Laughing—Because She Can!

Roni Noone does Fitbloggin’—Because She Can!
Consistency Helps Dawn do Anything—Because She Can!
Michele Lynn—Believed She Can… and She Did!