Bombings Survivor Adrianne Haslet To Run Boston Marathon
EASTON (CBS) -- For Boston Marathon bombings survivor Adrianne Haslet, each small step she takes is a simple reminder of how far she's come and how she wants to inspire others in her shoes to do the same.
"This is a way for me to give back. Not only to just to physically run the marathon, but to say a giant 'thank you' to everybody," she says, "And also to remember those sitting on the couch who don't have legs because of insurance coverage."
Haslet lost part of her left leg in the bombings. Three years later, she hopes to be the first bombings survivor amputee to run the entire 26.2-mile Boston Marathon.
She is running to help raise money for Limbs for Life, an organization that provides limbs for amputees who can't afford it.
"This will give them the chance to dream big and run and dance and do whatever it is they want to do," Haslet said. "You feel so hopeless when you don't have a leg."
She's training at Stonehill College in Easton and taking full advantage of these unseasonably warm days. Brian Heckathorn from Hanger Clinic is keeping a close watch on her running blade and making necessary adjustments.
"This carbon blade has to compress, which stores energy and releases it into the next step. My goal is to support her in a way she is comfortable and optimally functional," he says. "Adrianne has been a dancer most of her life and never dreamed of running the Boston Marathon. She knows she's not running for her own accomplishment, but running for those who can't.
"You're giving hope and life back to somebody."