Lane MIlliken is quite a remarkable young man, and I'd like to tell you why.

His mom, Julie, read my story in Tennessee Magazine and contacted me.
When Lane was 3 years old, he was outside while his older brother, Dustin, was cutting grass. Like most little brothers, Lane looked up to Dustin, and wanted to be with him. So, Lane took off running toward Dustin, and slipped on the grass. Dustin saw what was about to happen, and instinctively shut down the lawn mower. However, the blades were still turning when Lane went under the mower deck legs-first.  The damage was horrible: both legs were horribly mangled. EMS was called, and they, in turn, called in Life-Flight to evacuate Lane to the nearest trauma facility.

Doctors painstakingly put Lane back together as best they could. Due to the extensive damage to his legs, muscle was taken from his stomach and grafted into his legs.  His left leg has healed remarkably well. His right leg wasn't so fortunate. Muscle damage left him unable to move his foot, and his knee suffered the most damage.  After 12 surgeries, Lane is left walking with a crutch, and is offered very little hope that the leg will ever heal and develop normally.

Ed & Julie Milliken, Lane's parents, were given 3 very difficult options regarding Lane's leg: Do nothing with the leg, have the knee fused, which will mean no movement at all, or amputate the leg. As a parent, I cannot imagine having to make this decision for any of my children. They discussed these options with Lane, but he wouldn't talk about it. His 8 year old mind just couldn't fathom what this would mean.

A short time back, Lane was taken to Shriners' hospital in Kentucky for treatment. His visit there coincided with the juvenile prosthetic clinic. Lane observed the child amputees, and saw how well they were able to get around. For the first time, Lane opened up and told his mom "Cut it off."  Ed & Julie made sure that he understood the ramifications, then informed Lane's doctor of their decision. So, on June 8, 2004 Lane will enter the operating room for a 13th, and hopefully final, surgery to amputate his right leg above the knee.

Having made this decision, Julie contacted me and asked if I would be willing to come speak with Lane and his class. On March 9 & 10, my family and I drove to western Tennessee to meet them.

Though shy initially, Lane soon warmed up, and was joking around. I showed him my prosthesis, and explained how it worked. He was very impressed with how I could push a button and completely turn my leg around. I, in turn, was amazed at how well Lane was able to get around with his crutch. As though unstoppable, Lane would break into a "crutch-run" to keep up with the other kids. Lane readily accepts what's happened to him, and does not waste idle time feeling sorry for himself. In my opinion, he's a very courageous young man, and is my hero.

Adults in that same situation cold learn a wealth of information just by observing Lane. He is the epitomy of "adapt and overcome".  He doesn't whine and say "I can't " when he faces challanges when attempting something. Rather, he sizes up the situation, and mentally figures out how to "adapt and overcome".

With great honor, I have decided to dedicate my hike of the Appalachian Trail to someone I am proud to call my friend, Mr. Lane Milliken.

Be God's,
Scott Rogers, "Bionic Hiker"
Proverbs 3:5-6