Just a few years ago, Jack Berry lost his right leg to cancer. Now the Boston Children’s patient is an elite, Para Nordic skier. The 18-year-old reached a milestone that once seemed impossible: competing as a member of the U.S. Paralympics Nordic Ski Team.
When Jack’s leg pain turned out to be bone cancer, he traveled with his family from Montana to Boston Children’s Hospital. Just 10, Jack faced a major decision: traditional amputation or an innovative surgery called rotationplasty. Always an athlete, he chose surgery, which offered more strength, balance and flexibility.
Jack braved chemotherapy, surgeries, the return of his cancer, more treatments and countless hours of physical therapy to learn how to move with his new prosthetic leg—all with the heart of a champion.
“It took a while to get back to full strength, and it was really hard work,” Jack said. “But I quickly came to this mindset that it’s about the journey and you have to take everything one step at a time, and eventually you get to where you need to be.”
For Jack, it’s racing across snowy trails in Italy, as one of the best Para Nordic skiers in the world. His first competition in Italy will be March 10.
Jack’s special bond with another patient, Jaeger
United by grim diagnoses, two athletes found answers at Boston Children’s.
