Scott Odom has about becoming a professional athlete. At the age of fourteen and first day of high school, he was diagnosed with osteocarcoma (Bone Cancer). Scott then chose to have his leg amputated to not only save his life, but to also return to playing sports.
After defeating cancer, he returned to high school baseball and was a pitcher on the team. One game he stacked up eleven strikeouts against Stephenville. After high school, Scott still had that passion of being the athlete he so long dreamed of. He remained very active in playing basketball daily even though he was unable to play in college.
When he asked around about if there was amputee basketball of some kind, he was told there was no such thing. The only thing there was wheelchair basketball or track and field with the Paralympics. He tried the track and field events for a bit but knew this was not where his heart was at. He wanted to play basketball.
With the drive and determination, Scott has been trying to start the first “stand up” amputee basketball league. His plan is to make amputee basketball into a national tour that travels around playing basketball and raises money for different charities.
Scott has found five other guys that are amputee’s, with his same passion for basketball. He has formed a team and now their dream is to share their message with all ages. Especially the kids from elementary through Jr. High who are going through struggles, peer pressure, bullying, looking different, different ethnic challenges, etc. He wants to let them know all things are possible.
Scott has also written a book about his experience with cancer. The book is entitled “I Lost My Leg, Not My Dream.”
Testimonials:
“My school recently had the blessing of hosting an Amp 1 Basketball assembly for our students. What an amazing opportunity for our kids! Scott and his team mates had the students so excited. My campus is a low socioeconomic school with kids struggling to find positive role models in their lives. Amp 1 not only taught our kids about self esteem, bullying, respect and body image… They gave our kids hope. They also showed our children that no matter what happens in life that they can be successful. What an inspiring and amazing group of men! I would be happy to speak with anyone regarding our experience and provide further reference if needed.” Nicole Hammons, Brock Elementary
“We have many presentations at the junior high but this was one of the best. Between the discussion of positive body image and self esteem and the way friends change and how difficult that can be, this was a perfect assembly for our students. Scott Odom did a great job!” Pat Arslanian, Mattituck Junior High School Teacher
“I was very impressed with the inspirational talk Scott Odom gave the Jr. High students. He served as an excellent role model for students who are confronted with seemingly dire circumstances. He overcame them and by his coming to schools today he is encouraging students to pursue their dreams. What an excellent program! What a terrific game!” Jeanne Fallot, Mattituck Junior High School
TOPICS:
- Never giving up regardless of the odds
- Don’t be quick to judge others
- It’s not how you look, but what’s in your heart
- Always follow your heart
- Don’t let others tell you, you can’t do something
