She’s bright and beautiful, but Arkansas freshman Patience Beard has had to overcome a major obstacle in her life: The college cheerleader had her left leg amputated before her first birthday.
But that hasn’t stopped the 18-year-old from pursuing her dreams of becoming a cheerleader.
In fact, Beard was one of five girls in her year chosen to cheer for the University of Arkansas’ Spirit Squad and has recently been nominated for their Discover Orange Bowl-FWAA Courage Award from the Football Writers Association of America.
Her brightly colored zebra striped prosthetic is as sunny as her disposition and she credits her positive outlook on life to her parents.
“My parents always pushed me to do the best I can do, and never let me give excuses, ever,” she said.
Her story is profiled below as part of 40/29′s preview show prior to the Texas A&M game and it has made her a source of inspiration for young women around the country. Judging by this clip, it is easy to see why…
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