The Patriot Magazine Volume 8 Issue 2

Friends, Family and Fisher House Help Heather Carter Get Her Life Back

Story by Kerri Childress Photos by Kerri Childress and Ashley Estill

Air Force veteran Heather Carter lost her left leg in 2014 but today competes nationally in softball, swimming, cycling, and much more. “And I actually win,” she says with a bright smile.

That smile would have been less likely after her accident in 2010 which resulted in 14 surgeries and relentless, stark pain during efforts to salvage her leg for nearly four years. Heather admits sacrificing her limb probably saved her life.

“I had been such an extrovert; I loved sports and loved life,” said 29-year-old Heather. “Then the accident, and my life changed overnight—and so did I. The chronic pain forced me to isolate. I became a hermit. I was hooked on meds. Depression became rampant. And yes, I thought heavily about suicide.”

So, she told her doctors to amputate the leg in 2014.

This summer, Heather competed in the 2017 Department of Defense Warrior Games and is on the National Wounded Warrior Softball Team, playing the very sport in which she was injured years before. “I remember it well, I was playing on the Air Force softball team. I was running full-out to first base, my leg was fully extended when my heel caught in the dirt and my toes caught on the bag— all my weight was on my left leg and I felt every bone break and ligaments and tendons snap. I shattered everything from the middle of my thigh through the middle of my shin,” she said.

Doctors at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center tried to save the limb but finally agreed amputation was the best thing. Although the rehab was arduous, her mother, who quit her job and stayed in the nearby Fisher House, advocated for her and helped her get through it one day at a time. For 18 months, they lived at the Fisher House.

“In your darkest hours, when you think you have nowhere to turn,” said Vicki Carter, Heather’s mother, “Fisher House offers a glimmer of hope. It was like a hand reaching down and pulling you up. You knew it was going to be okay.”

Vickie Carter was also quick to say they would have been in “financial ruin” without Fisher House, but beyond that it was the friends they made at Fisher House, people they still keep in contact with and consider their family, that she recalls most.

“I remember the first time I walked into the Fisher House on my prosthetic,” said Heather. “Everyone was cheering. I felt so loved and so inspired. We spent Thanksgiving, Christmas, Valentine’s Day and Easter at Fisher House, and I never felt lonely. They even gave us thoughtful presents at Christmas. It was as close to being home away from home as it could possibly be, and there was always a smile and hug waiting for you.”

Although her dream of making the Air Force a career was not possible, Heather has continued her work in the intelligence field working as a counterterrorism intelligence analyst with BAE at the Pentagon. She recently finished her degree in criminal justice and aspires to compete in the Florida Xtreme Triathlon this November.

This past summer, her mom and dad, John, were able to see her compete for the first time since she was injured, attending as part of the Family Program at the Warrior Games. John talked about what it meant to the two of them to see Heather happy and competing again. “When you have seen her at her very lowest, and I mean low, you can’t imagine how wonderful it is to see her now—smiling, laughing, competing and living life to the fullest,” he said.

Upbeat, full of smiles and laughter, Heather is passionate about giving back and mentors young children who have also suffered amputations. Additionally, she visits the Walter Reed amputee ward to encourage new amputees and let them know they can accomplish whatever they set out to accomplish.

“When you hear them say you will never walk, run, swim, ride a bike, or whatever, just don’t listen to them. You can do it. It’s up to you. I’m living proof,” Heather says proudly.

16 THE PATRIOT • VOLUME 8 • ISSUE 2 • 2017 THE PATRIOT •