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Robert Zimmerman

Never Give Up!

On January 11,2018 I went to work like I did five or six days a week since I was 16 years old. This time though, I didn’t come home the same way I went in. I was electrocuted while working as an Amtrak lineman in NY Penn Station while working on the overhead catenary wire. I was hit with 12,000 volts that night. I lost both of my arms, part of my foot, two toes, and had over 14 surgeries within the first six weeks. The doctors told my family to prepare for the worst because my injuries were so grave. At this point no medical professional thought I would ever leave that hospital. To be honest- it was touch and go many, many times- but I just wouldn’t have it!

I cheated death and with the help of the excellent medical staff- I won. I lived.

My road has not been easy. There were many dark days, but each day I found at least ONE thing to be grateful for. For anyone who has suffered a catastrophic injury- you can attest- finding even ONE thing to be happy about or look forward to can seem like an impossible task. But it kept me going.

I am a US Navy Veteran, a volunteer fireman, a husband, and a father of three strong boys. I wasn’t going to ever give up- no matter how rough!

Fast forward five and a half years and I am learning a whole new life! With help from my family, I have adapted my lifestyle, my home, my vehicle, and all of the everyday things I need to use to be productive. I go to the gym five days a week where I swim a mile! Swimming was challenging at first, but I just kept working at it and now a mile a day is my new norm!

The moral of my story is- it would have been so easy for me to give up but I just don’t have it in me!

Face your fears, embrace your new life, and live it to the fullest!