Oakland woman overcomes adversity of amputations as competitive swimmer
OAKLAND, Calif. (KTVU) -- Imagine being 24 years old and suddenly losing your hands and feet. On Tuesday, amputee Bryce Ballinger of Oakland shared her remarkable story with KTVU about overcoming adversity after a life-changing illness three years ago.
Tuesday afternoon under the hot summer sun, the Piedmont Community pool is invigorating and life affirming for the now 27-year-old Ballinger.
"In the water, I'm totally free of all those burdens," said Ballinger, referring to the physical challenges of being an amputee. "Is the terrain uneven? Are there stairs? How are my legs fitting today?"
Ballinger says those worries are gone when she's swimming. With no hands and no legs from the knees down, Ballinger glides with grace and speed through the water.
She recently qualified for the Paralympic trials.
Her challenge began in May 2012, when Ballinger became ill after swimming in the Russian River.
"When I went to the ER, I thought I had pneumonia and maybe I'd be there overnight," said Ballenger.
But she had contracted two antibiotic-resistant infections: Influenza B and MRSA. Doctors prescribed a drug to restrict blood flow. Ballinger says an overdose of that drug led to dry gangrene.
"I can't think of anything worse than waking up and knowing that you're going to lose all four of your limbs," said Ballinger.
She spent six months in the hospital, where she was inspired to look forward by a parathlete she saw competing on television.
"If I don't do something about this, my life can be very bleak. And I didn't want that," said Ballinger.
Now Ballinger trains at the pool almost daily. She says each stroke is a step towards meeting life's challenges and overcoming obstacles.
"The little kids pull away from you and even adults don't know how to approach you," explained Ballinger. "You see the awkwardness when you first meet someone. You go to extend your arm and they recoil and that's hard to get used to."
But Ballinger says she hopes by being open about her own experience that she can educate others about amputees and anyone who's faced adversity.
"No matter what has happened in your life, you're only limited by your will power. There's so much more than what our physical limitations," said Ballinger.
She hopes her speed will place her into the top three in the qualifying trials for the 50-meter freestyle and be on her way to Paralympics in Rio De Janiero next year.
Ballinger has set up a GoFundMe page to raise money to support her quest to compete in the Paralympic Games. Interested parties can learn more about how to donate here.