17-time Paralympic medalist Tatyana McFadden visited Henry Puffer yesterday. She shared her incredible life story and imparted an inspirational message about perseverance, kindness, inclusivity and celebrating our unique differences.
McFadden was born with spina bifida and spent the first 6 years of her life in a Russian orphanage with virtually nothing, not even a wheelchair. She was adopted and came to America, where she received a wheelchair and a fresh start on life. Since then, she embraced athletics and competed in several Paralympic events, smashing many world records. She has won the Chicago, London, Boston and New York marathons. What an inspiration! Puffer students loved meeting McFadden and asked very insightful questions about her journey.