Spring Break
Veteran Ed Salau shares his powerful story with students
Lauren Collins
Issue date: 12/4/08 Section: News
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"This year's Adapted Sports Day is a celebration of our patriotism, the wounded warriors that have fought for our country and the variety of possibilities that are available through adapted sports for everyone to stay active regardless of obstacles that may be present," said associate director of ECU Campus Recreation and Wellness, David Gaskins.
Despites Salau's setbacks, he has successfully received certification as an adapted ski instructor, has climbed Mount Rainier and has hand cycled and run in several marathons.
Salau currently works at Camp Lejeune's Wounded Warrior Battalion as the Veterans Service Organization's and Charitable Organization's liaison.
As Salau discussed his injury and recovery process with a smile, he quoted Theodore Roosevelt: "Do what you can with what you have, where you are."
He stated that this particular quote was one that was extremely beneficial during his injury, though he was reluctant to ask for help at first.
"There are two types of amputees," Salau said. "Those who fall and those who fall again. When I fell I couldn't help but think 'oh, that's weakness;' I was a lieutenant, I had power."
He laughed to himself as he admitted to students and faculty, "It's a guy thing, a pride thing, where you don't want to ask for help."
Though recovery was difficult, Salau said he wanted to recover for his children. He said his main goal is not winning any awards or medals, but being a capable father.
"Life is not a race. There is no metal or prize[s] at the finish line, you just do it," Salau said.
He addressed the students and faculty who are currently striving to work in the occupational therapy fields in the future to "do the right thing, say the right thing, and be right all the time." Salau reiterated the importance of asking for help and offering it to others on a regular basis. He encouraged them that if a child says, "I can't" the statement should be redirected to "how can I?"
There are a number of struggles to overcome as an amputee, including the acceptance of one's loss, but the support of family and friends is essential for recovery, Salau said.
Viewing Comments 1 - 2 of 2
James26
James26
posted 12/04/08 @ 3:36 PM EST
That's a C-Leg! My best friend had his leg removed from the hip down last October and I researched these legs for him when he was in the hospital. He ended up getting this one. (Continued…)
Agnes Curran-Tonkin
posted 12/12/08 @ 10:49 AM EST
Hi Ed - What a nice article and it's so good to read about you. Haven't
seen you in awhile and hope you are doing well. I'm looking at getting a new computer, so you've been in my head a lot. (Continued…)
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