Brighten Your Day

Marines carry boy with broken leg to finish line during triathlon

October 24, 2012

Here is an inspirational story about a boy diagnosed with bone cancer in his right leg at 6 years-old which caused the removal of his tibia and fibula.

Ben Baltz, now 11 years-old, can only walk with a prosthetic leg and a mechanical knee. Yet he refuses to let that stop him from playing sports including competitive triathlons.

Recently, Ben competed in a triathlon that will forever be remembered.

Ben finished the 150 yard swim, as well as the 4 mile bike ride. About a half mile into the run, his prosthetic running leg broke in half.

Ben's mother was patiently waiting for him at the finish line knowing he only had a mile left to run, but Ben was no where to be seen. Just as she started to worry, something happened that she will always remember.

On the loud speaker, the cheering crowd was interrupted with, "Ladies and gentlemen, I want you to turn around and look at what's happening on the course."

A group of Marines were carrying Ben to the finish line.

According to Marine Matthew Morgan, Ben did not want to be helped and tried to refuse. He wanted to finish all on his own, even though he physically could not run.

Ben finally gave in and became an inspiration to us all. He is a story of dedication and heart. Despite the odds, Ben refuses to give up. An example proving that when you want something bad enough, you can make it happen, no matter what the circumstances.

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