Higher Purpose -- The Heroic Story of the First Disabled Man to Conquer Everest

Whittaker, Tom with Johnny Dodd

ISBN 10: 0895261995 / ISBN 13: 9780895261991

Published by Lifeline Press/Regnery Publishing, 2001

About this Item

Lifeline Press/Regnery Publishing, 2001. Signed by Author and inscribed to "Anne', on the Title page. Annie's signature on front endpaper. Hard Back First Edition Book and Dust Jacket in Fine Condition. Very clean, spotless, tight & solid volume. Mountaineer Tom Whitaker had his legs crushed in an auto accident on a remote road in Idaho when an out-of-control car crashed into his Volkswagen. His lost his right foot and kneecap. In 1998 he became the first disabled person to climb to the summit of Mount Everest. This is an inspiring story of courage, drive, and the power of the spirit. 278 pages. 6.25 x 9.25 inches. Lifeline Press/Regnery Publishing, Washington DC 2001.

Seller Inventory # 007629

Bibliographic Details

• Title: Higher Purpose -- The Heroic Story of the First Disabled Man to Conquer Everest
• Publisher: Lifeline Press/Regnery Publishing
• Publication Date: 2001
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0895261995
• ISBN 13: 9780895261991
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition: First Edition.
• Condition: Fine
• Dust Jacket Condition: Fine
• Signed: Signed by Author
• Seller catalogs:
  • Sports, Extreme Sports, Recreation", Biography....

About this title

Synopsis

As Tom Whittaker struggled to keep conscious the night of 27 November 1979, his thoughts focused on a singular plea: Please, don't let them take my legs. Earlier that evening, a drunk driver struck Tom's VW van on an isolated, snow-covered road in Idaho and shattered his legs -- and his dreams. When he awoke from emergency surgery, the 31-year-old mountaineer's right leg had been amputated at mid-shin and his right kneecap removed. Devastated, he pondered suicide. Finally it occurred to him: you don't need your lower leg to kayak. Seven months after the accident, Tom hobbled down to the south fork of the Payette River, and began paddling. In the years since then, Tom has not only taken his life back, he's taken his family, his fellow sportsmen, and hundreds of thousands of disabled and able-bodied people to the top of the world. In May 1998, Tom became the first amputee to summit Mount Everest. The climb and his inspirational story, as well as his work on behalf of disabled people around the world, have earned him the recognition as one of America's most courageous heroes.