Here's a man who cannot spell the word surrender, and John is my new personal hero,” said Kirk Wesley, a Housatonic student who helped arrange Tartaglio's visit.

Thank you. You're an inspiration,” Gina Corella, 26, of Bridgeport told Tartaglio. “You've touched many lives.”

Kenny Gracia, 24, of Bridgeport, said Tartaglio's message was important for students to hear. He said sometimes people face challenges, and Tartaglio has shown that “you can't let that keep you down.”

“Everything is possible, don't lose faith,” Gracia said of Tartaglio's message. “John running in the New York City marathon shows a lot of heart.”

Kimberly Nania, 18, of Stratford, said Tartaglio's talk was amazing in that he “doesn't feel sorry for himself.”

“He acts normal,” Nania said. “He does things that a lot of us think are out of reach for us. He's an inspiration. He doesn't make me feel bad that I haven't done anything (like he has).”

John,

Just wanted to say thank you and update you on our success. It was wonderful having you and your parents on Sunday. Although it wasn't as large a crowd as we had originally hoped for, I think it worked out wonderfully because everyone there found it to be very personal having the opportunity to speak with you and your parents.You did a great job. My whole family enjoyed it and one of the nicest things was that my kids could reality to you. For that alone I am so grateful. I've already begun to use your name amidst the trials and tribulations of a 12, 14 and 17 year old.

It looks like we cleared around $3000 which will give us 3 more years of the scholarship. Thank you for helping to make our event really special. I'll look forward to keeping in touch with you.

Sincerely,

Jeanine Santilli

 

 

If you are considering having John Tartaglio as a speaker,
stop considering and book him, now!

I am a sixth grade teacher in Monroe, CT. I invited John to speak to our Team. We'd been exploring the topic of heroes and it seemed like a perfect fit, to have a local hero address our students. We packed 80 children and a dozen adults into an oversized classroom, and hoped the kids would behave. But once John started to speak, our concerns vanished. We were all mesmerized by this very articulate, interesting young man, and his message.

John told his story in a way that was not scary or upsetting. He was matter-of-fact about his illness and the resulting amputations. John's response to the devastating loss of his legs is what makes him so special! He didn't feel sorry for himself, or count the things that he could no longer do. Instead, he pushed himself at physical therapy and trained very hard to compete in marathons. John found that he could still participate fully in life—athletically, academically, and socially!

John's message, that you can accomplish great thing by working hard, is one that has stayed with us. His name comes up frequently in my classroom, both orally and in the children's written work. He inspired us to take a look at ourselves and to gain perspective. It's really hard to sweat the small stuff, after meeting him. John had a lasting impact on everyone who heard him speak.

The John Tartaglio before the illness was a handsome football star, who was popular, and smart—the kind of boy who was admired by his peers and looked up to by younger kids. The John Tartaglio after the illness, is a handsome athlete, a pre-med student at Fairfield U, and an inspiration and role model for us all.

“How far you fall doesn't determine who you are. It's how hard you work to get back up.” John Tartaglio

--Pam Benedict

pbenedict@monroeps.org

Hey, I'm one of the 8th grade students at Ansonia Middle School; I really liked your speech. I totally appreciated it. I think you may have changed my life forever; I'm going to try in school now. Before that speech. I never did anything in class. Thank you. I think you're an inspiration to us all.

Again, thank you,

Shane

Hi John,

Just wanted to say thank you for speaking at the National Disability Mentoring Day at Highmark on Wednesday.  Your story is truly inspiring!  It is a great gift that you give to others by sharing your story and experiences.

All the best and thanks again,

Mike


Michael A. Wiegand
Executive Communications
Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield


John,

Thank you so much for your inspirational message that you shared with our students yesterday. We had supplied the students with a survey asking them about their favorite part of the event - in the majority of instances they indicated you and your message!!!

You were and will continue to be a role model for our students - your drive, motivation, intelligence and dedication to success is incredible!!!

Thank you again and we look forward to recommending you for future events both at and outside of Highmark!!

Melissa Ferraro
Compliance & Accessibility Manager
Corporate Diversity and Work Life
Highmark