Name: Lisa Sellan
“If a dolphin can learn to swim and survive without her tail we can all learn to overcome any obstacles in our path.”
Can you talk about your connection to Clearwater Marine Aquarium?
I lived in Clearwater for 17 years and the aquarium is a place my family would visit often. However, I recently lost all four of my limbs due to septic shock and after that, my dream was to meet Winter up close. My very good friend and her husband are CMA volunteers who made my dream come true on August 16, 2014.
What is your connection like with Winter?
When you see the Dolphin Tale movies, you can’t help but just feel something. I just had to go visit this dolphin. It’s kind of amazing, but the prosthetic company I work with happens to be the same prosthetic company that helped Winter. When we went (to the aquarium), it was just the most amazing thing ever!
What’s next for you?
I’m hoping to be walking soon. My legs have amputations above the knee but I have short prosthetics now, and I’m able to use a walker, so I’m hoping I can eventually get my balance and strength back to walk on my own. I would love to get back to work. I’m thinking of trying to volunteer in the school system, or even work in a school, as an aide. I hate being at home, sitting in a wheelchair or on a couch — so my goal is to be walking. I’m really working hard on it. I’m going to do it! “And if a dolphin can learn to swim and survive without her tail, we can all learn to overcome any obstacles in our path.” Seeing Winter gave me more strength, courage and determination. I am more determined to walk since I met Winter. She is amazing.
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