On August 22nd, 2004, 17 year old John Tartaglio was diagnosed with such a rare bacterial infection that only 34 people in medical history have had it since.  To save his life doctors had no choice but to amputate his legs and left bicep that night.

John survived although he was only given a 20% chance to live.  John endured two months of rehabilitation to get him ready for life back at home.  At home and outpatient rehabilitation John focused on regaining his strength and independence.  From the very start John set a goal of walking at his high school graduation despite being told that he would never walk again from doctors and a leading prosthetic company.

After 4 months John walked a quarter of a mile at a 5k/ 2mile walk held in his honor.  John easily met his goal in June of 2005 and walked to receive his diploma at his high school graduation. 
 
In the summer of 2005 John was the first bilateral hip disarticulation amputee to have a running prosthesis.  Through rigorous workouts consisting of weight training, swimming, cycling, walking, and running, John was able to compete in team triathlons.  In the fall of 2005, he enrolled in Fairfield University studying pre-med.  Training just as hard during the school year John was the first bilateral hip disarticulate amputee in history to run and complete a 5k and two weeks later complete another one. 

Still competing in triathlons, cycling events, and exceeding in school John has shown that "How far you fall doesn't determine who you are, it's how hard you work to get back up."  You can learn more about John at his website at  www.johntartaglio.com 

Highlights:

2007

Aspire 5K:  01:07:29

2006

ASPIRE 5K run

John Tartaglio 5K run

Madison Jaycees Triathlon

Mystic River Valley Triathlon

Pat Griskus Triathlon

NYC Marathon Handcycle division  2 hours, 12 minutes