Coloradan Who Lost Legs After Accident Returns To The Gym
BOULDER, Colo. (CBS4) - If anyone knows life can change in a moment's notice, it's Craig Towler. The Boulder man lost his legs when an accused intoxicated, distracted driver hit him. For the first time since the accident Towler spoke to CBS4's Jennifer Brice.
"Your body is such an amazing tool," said Towler.
It's a tool the 29-year old has leveraged his whole life.
Pictures of his life he shared during the interview show that he has not been an idle guy throughout his life living in Boulder.
He enjoys hiking, biking, races and being outdoors. Towler believes if you treat your body right, "You can watch yourself get stronger."
LINK: Gofundme Page To Help Craig Towler
Stronger … that's a word with a lot more meaning these days. Towler and I began to talk about the accident that took his legs.
"I can remember everything," he said.
It was the Fourth of July. Towler was on foot in front of his home when a driver hit him from behind.
Towler was pinned between two cars.
"After I felt the impact I was still conscious," said Towler. "I looked down at that point and I knew it was severe."
He said he knows he is lucky to be alive. It's the kind of accident that Towler says will make a person value time.
It's been about four months since the accident. Towler is back in the gym. His strength and resilience are remarkable to see.
Watching Towler is inspiring, but listening to his positivity is another story.
Towler doesn't spend much time dwelling on what happened to him.
"What I was able to do was just look at the future and know that the potential is still there and to be thankful that I'm still here," he said.
He's been charting his progress on Instagram, sharing his story with followers, from a recent casting appointment for prosthetics to his workouts. Followers are taking notice and rooting him on. They comment on his posts saying things like, One day at a time. You're a warrior. and Praying for you. Thank you for sharing your journey.
Friends say Towler's journey isn't surprising because he has always been a motivating guy. They actually expect nothing less from the 29-year-old.
Cedric Keppler is Towler's best friend and he works with him. He says, yes, it was a tragic accident but Towler is still extremely happy.
"Every day he wakes up and is happy to be alive," said Keppler. "That inspires us to feel the same way."
Through all of this, Towler is reminded that each day is worth living. He has valuable advice for anyone in a tough spot in life.
"Don't allow yourself to be put in a bad mindset because of these occurrences."
He added: "Keep working toward improving your situation because you have the ability to. Tomorrow is a new day."
Towler's friends set up a GoFundMe page for his medical needs. The donations from friends and strangers have reached about $120,000 to his recovery. Those who would like to donate can visit Gofundme.com/2cw8kw4.
Jennifer Brice is a reporter with CBS4 focusing on crime and courts. Follow her on Facebook or on Twitter @CBS4Jenn.