Former Soldier’s Invention Empowers Paralyzed Wife for Off-Road Adventures
Brad Soden’s Incredible Journey
Brad Soden, a former United States soldier who served in the first Iraq war, has experienced numerous life-changing events. After his military service, he became a firefighter and saved many lives. Residing in Phoenix, Arizona, Brad, his wife Liz, and their three children enjoyed a fulfilling life together. However, everything changed on August 15, 1999, when a tragic accident altered their lives forever.
A Life-Altering Accident
While traveling in their truck with their children, Liz was driving when the left front tire suddenly blew out. Losing control of the vehicle, she veered off the road. Fortunately, their three boys sustained minor injuries, but the situation was more severe for Brad and Liz. Brad suffered a broken leg, while Liz tragically broke her back, resulting in paralysis from the waist down.
After Liz underwent surgery, she woke up to a devastating diagnosis. Overwhelmed, she believed her life was effectively over, fearing that Brad, her boyfriend at the time, would leave her for someone “normal.” However, Brad’s response demonstrated his unwavering commitment and love.
Love Conquers All
Rather than abandoning Liz during her darkest hour, Brad surprised her by proposing while she was still in the hospital. Liz, deeply moved, said “yes,” and the couple embarked on their journey together, determined to face the challenges that lay ahead.
The Difficult Road to Recovery
Liz’s path to recovery was arduous, but she had the unwavering support of her entire family. Adjusting to her new life in a wheelchair proved to be immensely challenging, especially since hiking had been a beloved family activity. Liz tried to keep up initially but quickly realized that her conventional wheelchair was ill-suited for the uneven terrains she once enjoyed exploring.
During one particularly poignant moment when the family was following a moose trail, Liz tearfully asked them to continue without her as she struggled to traverse the flat road. Witnessing the heartbreak in Liz’s eyes, Brad resolved to find a solution and ensure that she would never again be left behind.
A Unique Invention: The All-Terrain Wheelchair
Drawing inspiration from his experience as a maintenance technician in the army, where he was responsible for tanks’ maintenance and cleaning, Brad embarked on a mission to create a wheelchair capable of traversing off-road terrain. Spending countless days in the garage, Brad faced challenges and moments of frustration, often accompanied by the loud noise emanating from his workshop.
One of Brad’s significant hurdles was to design a silent electric engine that could withstand wilderness environments and function seamlessly at campsites. After tirelessly working through these obstacles, Brad finally achieved a breakthrough. He called Liz to the garage, surprising her with a unique wheelchair equipped with tank treads.
Brad’s invention garnered attention, particularly from the heads of the high-tech company NPC Robotics, who were impressed by the all-terrain wheelchair’s capabilities. Recognizing its potential, the company supported Brad and created a prototype based on his design. With modern technology, Liz’s new wheelchair became a quiet, fast, and off-road-ready marvel.
Embracing Freedom and Adventure
Thanks to Brad’s ingenuity, Liz now enjoys the freedom to join her family on off-road adventures. The Soden family finds it challenging to keep up with Liz when they go hiking, as her all-terrain wheelchair effortlessly conquers any terrain they encounter.
Brad’s invention not only showcases his immense love and dedication to Liz but also demonstrates his resourcefulness and determination in overcoming obstacles. It serves as a remarkable example of how to support and empower loved ones during their most challenging times.
Inspire Others with this Heartwarming Story
The story of Brad Soden and his exceptional invention deserves recognition and praise. Share this remarkable tale to celebrate the remarkable husband and father that Brad embodies, as he exemplifies the unwavering support and love we should aspire to provide our own family members.