Captain Kelly Elmlinger is the picture of resilience. In 2013, the mother, nurse, Soldier and fierce competitor was diagnosed with synovial sarcoma, a rare soft-tissue tumor found in her lower leg, next to her tibia.
She opted for limb salvage, undergoing the first of three surgeries in June 2013 avoiding amputation, but the removal of muscles, bones and tendons made it difficult for her to walk and claimed her passion for running competitively.
Over the next few years Elmlinger would become actively involved in adaptive reconditioning sports, medaling in several sports including swimming and wheelchair racing during the Wounded Warrior Games and Invictus Games.
These days, the Ohio native is taking on a new role, becoming a mentor to athletes participating in Army Warrior Care and Transition's Army Trials 2017, held at Fort Bliss in El Paso, Texas April 2-6.
"I have walked a mile in their shoes and its's an honor to become a mentor to the same program that helped me," Elmlinger said. "Who better to have their back than someone that speaks the same language? To have that experience and give that feedback. I was very passionate about returning, mentoring, coaching, wherever I could fit in."
"These mentors hold a crucial role in connecting with the Soldiers and providing them guidance and support. They have competed at a higher level, whether it's Paralympics, Warrior Games or Invictus Games, and understand the stress that's involved with training and competition," said Jennifer Sullivan, Adaptive Reconditioning Program Manager for Warrior Care and Transition.
"Some people inspire us with their words, but mentors inspire us with their lives. Mentors possess the understanding that can only come through personal experience on the rocky road of injury and illness," said Lt. Col. Heidi Schuster, Adaptive Reconditioning Action Officer. "What makes the mentors stand out is their willingness to be vulnerable and share their struggles in order to help those still in the midst of the battle."
Elmlinger's medical journey may have altered her physical appearance, but it has not changed her outlook on life.
"This is my way of giving back to a program that changed and inspired me. Running was my spirit and I had to find another avenue. These soldiers have to find another identity. Trials came at the perfect time in my life as it has for some of these athletes. Adaptive Reconditioning Sports are a game changer and a life saver for so many wounded, ill and injured Soldiers," Elmlinger said.
About 90 wounded, ill and injured active-duty Soldiers and veterans from across the country will compete for the opportunity to represent Team Army at the 2017 DoD Warrior Games, June 30 - July 8, in Chicago.
Social Sharing