The Advocate

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2 years after losing legs, student prepares for first marathon

Associated Press

November 2, 2006

FAIRFIELD, Conn. -- Two years ago, an infection cost him his legs. He was given a 20 percent chance to live.

This weekend, he will compete in his first New York City Marathon. Those who know John Tartaglio, 19, say his story has been an inspiration.

Since losing his legs after battling a massive infection, Tartaglio, who was once told by doctors that he would never walk again, has taken part in a variety of road races and several triathlons.

Tartaglio, a graduate of Milford's Foran High School, is a premed student at Fairfield University. "How far you fall doesn't determine who you are," Tartaglio said. "It's how hard you work to get back up."

He purchased a hand cycle about three months ago as a form of exercise and to train for sporting events. The cycle is a low-rider with three wheels and a hand crank. The salesmen at the time, Tartaglio said, asked him if he'd ever considered a marathon.

"It seemed like a good idea," Tartaglio said. "So I decided to give it a try." He said the device is similar to a regular bicycle, but a rider must rely on upper-body strength for propulsion. Tartaglio said he's been training at least five days a week in anticipation of the marathon.

"The amount of power he has to generate with his upper body to propel the bike forward is tremendous," said Jim Ronai, a rehabilitation specialist with Rehabilitation Associates on the Boston Post Road.

Ronai said Tartaglio has completely transformed himself from the teenager who came into his office two years ago after having a bilateral hip disarticulation, meaning both his legs were removed above the hip joint, making it difficult to walk even with prosthetic legs.

"He didn't just evolve from a young man to a man," Ronai said. "A kid in his situation had every right to just pack it in. But he's evolved into a confident, high achiever who can't be stopped. People still get emotional when they hear his story. He's been an inspiration to many."

Besides training for high endurance sporting events and earning good grades in his sophomore year at college, Tartaglio also gives motivational speeches around the region.

He's also started his own Web site, www.johntartaglio. com, where people can find out more about his story.

"I've had a different experience in life than some people," Tartaglio said. "It was an experience that most people probably would have had a difficult time dealing with. I think I handled it OK."

Mayor James L. Richetelli Jr. said Tartaglio continues to amaze. "For him to participate in the marathon is nothing short of awesome," Richetelli said. "But with his confidence and determination, it doesn't surprise me. He is truly a remarkable man."