Garrett Geros

More than two years after his accident, Garrett Geros has his heart set on qualifying for the 2022 Paralympic Winter Games in Beijing, China.

Garrett Geros remembers the moment he opened his eyes, and saw his truck’s dashboard on his lap.

“I couldn’t see my legs. I thought I was going to die.”

With his lower left leg crushed after colliding his truck into a tree, it took firefighters an hour and a half to cut him out of the vehicle. He was life-flighted to Grady, and underwent multiple surgeries.

“The next time I woke up, my lower left leg was gone. I cried for a maybe 15 seconds, then I was OK. I realized I could make the best of this,” Geros said.

As an active, athletic 16-year-old at the time of the accident two and half years ago, Geros was determined to get back to living a full life as he was accustomed to — undaunted by his amputation.

“I couldn’t walk for six months, but I worked hard with physical therapists at Grady to exercise my knee and get some strength back, and eventually got fitted with a prosthetic.”

His fearless determination has proven unstoppable, as Geros is currently snowboard training in order to qualify for the 2022 Paralympic Winter Games in Beijing, China. His orthopedic trauma surgeon at Grady, Dr. Mara Schenker calls Geros’ recovery an inspiration to her and her patients alike.

“He has recovered far beyond my expectations.  We continue to be amazed by his athletic abilities, and are excited to see him audition for the snowboarding Paralympics,” Schenker said.

As he trains in Colorado, Geros is confident about his chances because of his will and hard work.

“I do believe I will make it to Beijing, I will make my dreams come true just like anyone else.”