Brad Soden, a former US soldier and firefighter, has faced his share of challenges. But nothing could have prepared him for the accident that changed his life and that of his wife, Liz, forever. On August 15, 1999, a car accident left Liz paralyzed from the waist down, shattering their dreams of hiking and exploring together.
Despite the devastating diagnosis, Brad’s love and commitment to Liz only grew stronger. He proposed to her in the hospital, and they soon married. As Liz struggled to come to terms with her new reality, Brad was determined to find a way to make their favorite hobby accessible to her again.
The turning point came when Liz was forced to stay behind on a family hike, unable to navigate the uneven terrain in her wheelchair. Brad was heartbroken, and that moment sparked an idea. Drawing on his experience as a maintenance technician in the army, Brad set out to build a special wheelchair that would allow Liz to join them on their adventures.
The project was not without its challenges. Brad spent countless hours in the garage, experimenting with different designs and technologies. His neighbors and Liz grew accustomed to the sound of drilling and welding, but Brad’s perseverance paid off. Finally, he had created an all-terrain wheelchair with tank treads that would enable Liz to navigate even the most rugged terrain.
The impact of Brad’s invention went beyond their family. The high-tech company NPC Robotics took notice of his design and partnered with him to create a prototype. With their support, Liz’s new wheelchair became even more advanced, quiet, and fast.
Today, Liz is no longer limited by her disability. She can hike and explore with her family, and Brad and the kids often struggle to keep up with her. Brad’s love and ingenuity have given Liz a new lease on life, and their story is a testament to the power of devotion and determination.
This heartwarming tale reminds us that with love and support, we can overcome even the most daunting challenges. Share this inspiring story with your loved ones, and let it be a reminder of the incredible impact one person can have on another’s life.
