Amputee to share his personal story with students

The keynote speaker at this year’s Kingfisher Chamber of Commerce banquet also will be sharing his story of personal courage with Kingfisher school students earlier in the day. “Kingfisher … Reaching New Heights” is the theme of this year’s banquet.

Todd Huston, an amputee who overcame his personal challenges to reach the summit of the highest peaks in all 50 states in less than 67 days, will speak to Kingfisher public school and Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic School students at two assemblies Monday morning, Feb. 10, before speaking at the chamber banquet at 6:30 p.m. at the Kingfisher County Fairgrounds Exhibit Building.

“The chamber board felt his personal story and his motivational message would be such a benefit to our students that we’re sponsoring him to speak at the schools as well as the banquet,” Chamber Manager Judy Whipple said.

Huston got his legs caught in a boat propeller at age 14, then battled through several surgeries in an effort to keep his legs, but the bone disease eventually forced the amputation of one leg.

Huston eventually became a psychotherapist and clinical director of the Amputee Resource Center in California and also worked in psychiatric hospitals for adults, adolescents, and children.

He used his professional skills and personal experiences to help patients facing similar challenges and also trained health-care professionals and written articles in working with individuals coping with disabilities.

Then Huston completed a world-record-setting Summit America expedition by climbing to the highest elevations of all 50 states in only 66 days 22 hours and 47 minutes, shattering the original record by 35 days.

He has been featured in thousands of publications throughout the world, including the popular book, Chicken Soup for the Soul, A Second Helping.

He has appeared as a special guest on CBS Year in Sports and on most major broadcast and cable news networks.

In addition to earning a number of distinguished honors, Huston shared his story in a book, More than Mountains: The Todd Huston Story, and has hosted inspirational radio and television programs.

Tickets to the chamber banquet, which also will feature presentation of Kingfisher’s Citizen of the Year and Volunteer of the Year awards, are available now at the chamber office and all four Kingfisher banks. Click here for Original Story