Nick Vujicic

Nick Vujicic

Nicholas James Vujicic was born on 4^th December 1982. Nick Vujicic was born in Brisbane, Australia with the rare Tetra-amelia disorder: limbless, missing both arms at shoulder level, and legless but with two small feet, one of which has two toes. Initially, his parents were devastated. Nick was otherwise healthy.

            His life was filled with difficulties and hardships. He was being prohibited by Victoria state law from attending a mainstream school because of his physical disability, even though he was not mentally impaired. During his schooling, the laws were changed, and Nick was one of the first disabled students to be integrated into a mainstream school. He learned to write using the two toes on his left foot, and a special device that slid onto his big toe which he uses to grip. He also learned to use a computer and type using the "heel and toe" method, throw tennis balls, play drum pedals, comb his hair, brush his teeth, answer the phone, shave and get himself a glass of water.

            Being bullied at his school, Nick grew extremely depressed, and by the age of 8, started contemplating suicide. At age 10, he tried to drown himself in 4 inches of water, but did not go through with it out of love for his parents. A key turning point in his life was when his mother showed him a newspaper article about a man dealing with a severe disability. This led him to realize he wasn't the only one with major struggles. As time went by Nick began to embrace his situation and achieve greater things. He started to give talks at his prayer group, and eventually started his non-profit-organization, Life Without Limbs. In 2005 Nick was nominated for the "Young Australian of the Year" Award.

              

                 Nick graduated from university at the age of 21 with a double major in Accounting and Financial Planning. He began his travels as a motivational speaker, focusing on the topics that today's teenagers face. His aim is to become an international inspirational speaker, in both Christian and non-Christian venues. He regularly travels internationally to speak to Christian congregations, schools, and corporate meetings. Nick promotes his work through television shows as well as by writing.

This man has the encouragement in life like many people today don't. He never gives up. I am truely humbling to know such an amazing person spends his time helping to inspire others. My courage and determination grows when I hear his inspirational stories. I am so glad to see him spreading his words of hope and encouraging people.