(WHAS11) - WHAS11 has started something called Positively Kentuckiana; people who embrace a triumphant spirit, or a spirit of giving.
So often we hear ‘don’t you do any positive stories?’ The answer is yes.
WHAS11’s Rachel Platt introduces us to a former military man who has lost a lot, but is now giving back in a special way.
Welcome to Hilbert Potter’s new tour of duty; part of the Kentucky Orthopedic Rehab team or KORT.
Today he’s working with a young man named Clay, who lost his leg in a motorcycle accident.
Potter is a former Army man, now a physical therapist who specializes in amputees, with a program he started called Leap. It’s a loss he understands well.
Hilbert Potter lost his own leg in 1990. It happened while he was serving in the Persian Gulf during Operation Desert Storm.
“I was in the wrong place at the wrong time; got caught in cross fire; friendly fire,” he said.
Machine gun fire would severe Potter’s leg above the knee.
Not long after the accident, while he was being cared for in Europe, his own physical therapist would inspire him to use his experience and knowledge to help others.
Clay Smithers came from Lexington to work with Potter, someone he knew would understand his loss; an example that would inspire Clay; much like Potter’s physical therapist had done for him.
Clay is now considering medical school. Just what the doctor ordered; make that his physical therapist ordered
For Hilbert Potter, it’s about getting amputees back on their feet, back into life, one step at a time.
If you would like to learn more about the Leap program at KORT, the phone number you can call is 587-9350.
One side note Rachel wanted you to know… Hilbert is a huge U of L fan. He actually moved to Louisville because of its great basketball legacy.
If you have someone who fits the bill of Positively Kentuckiana, we’d like to hear from you.
Tell us your uplifting stories below.
