Flesh-eating Disease Can't Keep this Good Man Down
"I've definitely felt the 'why me' and all that, but at the same time, 'why NOT me?'"
Blake Haxton had an incredibly promising future unfolding in his young life. A likeable leader, he was captain of his Ohio High School rowing team—called the "best high school rower in the state, and Blake was even recruited by Harvard for their elite rowing program to start in the fall.
But that was before a devastating infection—Necrotizing Fasciitus (a flesh-eating disease)—ravaged his well-conditioned body several months ago.
"Kidney failure, liver failure, the muscle breakdown was astronomical," said his physician, Dr. Gregory Barrett. "I've never seen anyone in my practice this close to death, who didn't die."
Blake wasn't ready to give up, however, and from the edge of death on full life support—as his friends and family prayed—amazingly, he began to recover. (Photo: FOXNews)
"It's the most remarkable comeback I've ever seen," Dr. Barrett noted.
According to the Palestra.net/Glenn Beck report, Blake lost his legs to the disease, and is still in the recovery process, but it seems to be his perspective on life that touches so many.
"I've definitely felt the 'why me' and all that, but at the same time, 'why NOT me?'" remarked Blake. "Honestly, when I get those feelings, it's a huge help to just say a little prayer."
Blake added, "Life really is just one big opportunity…whatever happens it's going to be fun just to try. That's where the joy of living comes in—just in the attempt."
The inspiration of Blake's life and positive attitude has not only impacted his family and friends, but his entire community.
Blake's own father, Steve Haxton marveled at the strength his son has shown throughout the ordeal, he told Palestra.net, "I said, 'It's real easy to get bitter.' But he looked up at me and said, 'Dad, I'm not bitter, I'm blessed.' That was when I kind of went, 'Wow!'"
Blake shared more wisdom in the interview saying, "If you can, keep focused on the future; set goals. Keep good things, positive things in mind, and then there's really no reason that you can't go wherever you want to."
I highly recommend watching this entire inspiring report by Ryan Cost and Glenn Beck about Blake Haxton's perseverance through this trial, but you might want to have some tissues handy. Follow the link provided to view the video.
