Book SummaryOn My Own Two Feet, by Amy Purdy

1-Page Summary1-Page Book Summary of On My Own Two Feet

Amy Purdy's Individual Journey Through Illness, Loss, and Recovery

This section of the book recounts Purdy's harrowing experience with a bacterial infection in her meninges, her fight for survival, and her subsequent journey to reclaim her life after losing both legs and receiving a kidney from a donor. It highlights her remarkable resilience, positive attitude, and determination when confronted with unimaginable adversity.

Amy Nearly Dies From Brain Inflammation and Organ Failure

This chapter delves into the sudden onset of Purdy's illness and the rapid deterioration of her health as she battled a rare and aggressive type of meningitis. It explores her near-death experiences during her coma and the profound impact it had on her outlook on life.

Amy Contracted Rare Meningitis Causing Organ Failure, Leg Loss, and Threatening Her Life

Amy was a seemingly healthy and vibrant nineteen-year-old when she contracted bacterial meningitis. What initially appeared to be a typical case of the flu quickly escalated into a life-threatening ordeal. Her body went into septic shock, her blood pressure plummeted, and her kidneys shut down completely. The author vividly describes the harrowing experience of feeling her body failing her as her limbs turned violet and her veins collapsed. She was rushed to the hospital, where doctors said her likelihood of survival was a mere two percent.

Context

• While bacterial meningitis can affect individuals of any age, young adults and teenagers are at higher risk due to factors like close living quarters in dormitories and social behaviors that increase exposure.
• Early symptoms of bacterial meningitis, such as fever, headache, and neck stiffness, can resemble those of the flu, leading to potential misdiagnosis or delayed treatment.
• Immediate medical treatment is crucial and typically involves antibiotics to fight the infection, intravenous fluids to maintain blood pressure, and medications to support organ function.
• Symptoms can include swelling in the legs and feet, fatigue, confusion, and difficulty breathing, as the body struggles to manage fluid and waste levels.
• In response to septic shock, the body may constrict blood vessels in the extremities to preserve blood flow to vital organs. This vasoconstriction can cause the skin, especially in the limbs, to appear discolored.
• Organ failure, such as kidney shutdown, requires intensive medical interventions like dialysis to perform the functions of the failed organs. This condition significantly complicates recovery and survival prospects.

[restricted term] Amy's Spiritual Decision to Rejoin the Living

As Purdy's condition worsened, doctors placed her in a drug-induced coma to stabilize her failing organs. While unconscious, she encountered a deeply spiritual event. Purdy describes being transported to an infinite dark realm where she encountered three enigmatic beings who presented her with a choice: to continue on with them or go back to living. They warned her that choosing to remain might mean a life drastically unlike her previous one. Nonetheless, Purdy, driven by an intense yearning to live and a deep connection to her earthly experiences, chose to fight for survival, feeling she had much more to experience and accomplish.

Context

• A drug-induced coma is a medically controlled state of unconsciousness. It is often used to protect the brain during severe medical conditions, allowing the body to heal by reducing metabolic rates and brain activity.
• Some psychologists suggest that these experiences might be the brain's way of coping with trauma or stress, possibly influenced by endorphins or other neurochemicals released during critical health events.
• In various spiritual and psychological interpretations, darkness can symbolize the unknown, a transitional space, or a place of potential transformation and rebirth.
• In literature, such beings can serve as a narrative device to explore themes of choice, destiny, and the human will to live, providing a framework for the protagonist's internal struggle and ultimate decision.
• Many people report having vivid dreams or spiritual experiences while in a coma. These experiences can feel profoundly real and often involve themes of choice, transformation, or encounters with otherworldly entities.
• Purdy would have needed to make substantial changes to her daily routines, including learning to use prosthetics and adapting to new ways of performing everyday tasks.
• Choosing to return to life despite warnings of drastic changes often involves weighing the value of personal relationships, future goals, and unfinished life missions against the fear of the unknown.
• Amy Purdy is known for her resilience in overcoming significant physical challenges, including the loss of her legs due to bacterial meningitis. Her decision to fight for life reflects her determination and ability to face adversity head-on.
• She may have long-term goals related to her career, personal life, or philanthropic efforts, aiming to leave a lasting impact on the world.

Amy's Arduous Recovery:...

On My Own Two Feet Summary Pursuing Her Passions and Entrepreneurial Ventures

This section of the book explores Purdy's unwavering commitment to her passion for snowboarding and her entrepreneurial spirit in establishing Adaptive Action Sports, a non-profit organization dedicated to empowering individuals with disabilities to pursue extreme sports.

Amy's Passion for Adventure Sports Like Snowboarding

This chapter delves into Purdy's lifelong love of snowboarding and her inspiring journey to rejoin the sport after losing both legs. It emphasizes her unwavering determination and her willingness to push boundaries in pursuit of her passions.

Ill but Determined Snowboarder Amy Pursues Sport

Despite her serious illness and the challenges she faced, Purdy remained captivated by snowboarding. Even while hospitalized, she drew strength and inspiration from visualizing herself snowboarding down mountains. Her determination to resume snowboarding after her amputation served as a beacon of hope for herself and her loved ones. The author describes her first post-amputation snowboarding trip with friends, highlighting both the challenges and the exhilaration she experienced as she relearned how to navigate the slopes using her prostheses. She acknowledged...

On My Own Two Feet Summary Purdy's Spiritual and Personal Growth, and Finding Purpose

This section explores Purdy's awakening of spirituality, her exploration of personal growth, and her transformative journey to find purpose in the wake of her illness and amputation.

Purdy's Quest for Enlightenment and Desire for Deeper Meaning

This chapter explores the profound impact of Purdy's brush with death on her understanding of life and her desire for a purposeful, intentional existence. It highlights her exploration of spiritual teachings and her belief in a greater power guiding her journey.

How a Brush With Death Gave Amy Greater Purpose

Purdy's brush with death while [restricted term] served as a catalyst for her spiritual transformation. The author describes her encounter with three enigmatic beings who presented her with a choice—either to continue onward with them or to return to the living world. This encounter left her with a profound sense of purpose and a belief that she had been granted another opportunity to live for a reason. The experience sparked a deep desire to be intentional, to ensure each moment counted, and to use her life to make a positive impact on the world.

Context

• Experiencing an NDE can lead to lasting psychological...