Triple amputee gives inspirational talk

KENMORE, N.Y. (WIVB) - A young man has paid a painful price for the choices he made as a teenager. Now medical technology is helping him overcome tremendous obstacles.

Swimming, surfing, running, even cliff diving... sounds like a pretty active lifestyle. Cameron Clapp does all of that while missing both his legs and his right arm.

At Kenmore Mercy Hospital, the 26-year-old delivered his inspiring story to amputees, hospital workers and able-bodied individuals.

"I'm missing three limbs. Both of my legs above my knees and my right arm. And that has never stopped me from pushing the limits," he said.

Clapp was a self-described reckless teenager living in California. Underage drinking with his twin brother led them to railroad tracks. He was eventually struck by a train and lost his three limbs.

"That was a very life changing event," Clapp said. "Since then I've overcome my adversities, I've adapted to my situations and don't take anything for granted. I tell the amputee population set goals, have a plan, have a vision and take action."

His story also goes beyond physical limitations. His twin brother later died from a prescription drug overdose. He also talks about not only an active lifestyle, but one without drugs an alcohol, which resonated with local amputees.

Kevin Degnan said, "Extremely inspirational. To know that you have to look at life no matter what is dealt to you, that you pick yourself up and move on."

And after watching Clapp swimming, Degnan says he thinks it's time he also tried getting in a pool.