Marc Milkie is aging gracefully as a bilateral below-knee amputee and he inspires others to relentlessly pursue a long, healthy life without regrets!
In 2002, Marc was living life fully as a healthy 39-year-old training for a marathon when he went to the hospital with breathing problems. He arrived back home from the hospital eight months later, but without legs from the knees down.
Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis
Rapidly, an autoimmune disease called Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis (GPA), formerly called Wegener’s Disease, had started attacking Marc’s body. This rare disease that can affect people of all ages, creating inflammation and attacking blood vessels, the respiratory tract, kidneys and more.
Marc Milkie spent his first 7 weeks at the hospital in a coma, lost over 85 pounds, and had multiple strokes and seizures.
Losing His Legs
When he awoke, he was told he would have to regain some weight and strength before the amputation of his gangrened legs would be possible.
What!!? How does one find incentive or motivation for THAT?
A New Normal
Fortunately, Marc felt blessed to be ALIVE. Yes, he truly has a zest for life a contagiously positive attitude!
Following the surgery, recovering health and strength required great patience but Marc and his family celebrated each small victory as he was challenged with physical therapy and learning to walk on prosthetic legs.
Initially, Marc’s physical therapy was just sitting up in a wheelchair for a few minutes or lifting up his severely atrophied arms. Many people don’t realize how quickly strength declines with inactivity!
Even today, Marc has to be mindful of his health, paying attention to his body and how he feels so he can notice if any symptoms are presenting again. He says:
“Amputation is not the end of the world. It’s not convenient, can be difficult, disheartening, and challenging, but your life isn’t over. It’s just a new ‘normal.’”
Marc Milkie’s Decision to Change
In previous years, if someone told Marc he was an inspiration, he felt uncomfortable. However, Marc made the decision to share his story in 2019 because his life may have been spared in order to motivate others.
And NOW, Marc wears shorts on the golf course, making his prosthetic legs visible, inviting the comments and questions. As weather allows, he golfs daily, admitting that an “obsession” with this sport might be an understatement.
He shares his pictures and passion as @MyGolfability on Instagram and Facebook and he welcomes the public to contact him and connect with him!
Ageless Advice:
As an exemplary example of aging gracefully, Marc says he also believes in the power of prayer and that each person’s life has a unique plan to be discovered.
His SUPERPOWER is the love he shares with family and friends.
He teaches both young and old that everyone can choose how to react to life’s unfortunate events. Marc chooses to live life fully, even with limitations as he is aging gracefully!
If you want to watch another inspiring story, click here for a man who makes the very best of life after suffering a stroke.
Please share your words of kindness and encouragement for Marc Milkie on his journey to inspire and motivate! Isn’t he doing amazing work!?
Do his words motivate YOU to a better attitude?
Please share your comments below…
Mark,
I am your cousin Lisa’s brother in law.
My brother Russell sent this to me..
An incredibly powerful and motivating life that God inspired you to share with others..
I for one have come away with a new perspective and respect for life..
God Bless You
You are an inspiration to us all. Keep up the good work and keep telling your story you are a courageous person.
Amazing man! So strong in every sense of the word! And an awesome wife to help him through his journey. Love them both!
Thanks, Mary! Kay has been leading every step of the way. Mrs. Incredible!
Marc …. you’re my hero! From one Amputee to another I get it. I love how you have, and continue to, remain blessed and grateful to be alive!
Thanks for the support, Cara!
Marc you are totally awesome!!!!I remember going through this horendous experience with you thanking God everyday that you were alive. We love you and tip our hats to you.
Thanks for the love, Martha & Jim
Marc and I played football together and were friends in High School and are even better friends now. We had a very strong group of friends, like a dozen+ of very tight friends in that High School class and even more through the class and we all have stayed that way for the last 38 years after graduating. But that strong strong bond that we had, I know for me, Marc has made even stronger. I have so much respect for him and his courage that makes me take on challenges in my life and with our Special Needs child that has helped me and our family to be stronger. He is a true inspiration to us all. Love you Marc!!!
Love you too, Tom! We are lucky to have the group of friends we have.
How inspirational. Next time I feel to lazy to workout I will think of him.