Bree McMahon

Sports and tragedy. When these two events combine, it grabs our attention - and our hearts.  Such  was the case in September 2009 when Bree McMahon, a 17-year-old soccer star, was accidentally pinned against a wall by a car while participating in a car wash fundraiser for her team.  Bree was directing her friend to back up, but instead of hitting the brakes to stop, she pushed the gas pedal and pinned Bree to the wall, crushing both her legs.  Bree was rushed to the hospital, where her left leg was amputated above the knee. Her other leg was severely damaged, but doctors were able to save it. 

From the beginning, Bree was determined to get her life back - all of it!  When we were asked to visit her in the hospital just a few weeks after the accident she was very alert and asked lots of questions, beginning with  “how soon will I be able to run on a prosthetic leg?”  Bree informed us that she had a full scholarship to a college in North Carolina and she was determined to go.  “I’m a beast, you know!,” she said with a smile. Her first concern was whether she would be able to wear her trademark green soccer shoes with her sports prosthetic. Then she told us she wanted to dance at her prom, and would need a pretty leg for that. She was ready to get started!

With that optimism, strong will and tremendous support from family and friends, Bree endured several surgeries to repair her damaged leg.  In between the surgeries she was at POA, learning how to use her prosthetic leg, pushing herself to do more. 

 No surprise to all who know her, Bree attended her high school prom, graduated from high school and went to college - just as she said she would!  That college in North Carolina honored the scholarship they had offered before the accident, and she is very involved with the soccer team there, even joining them for workouts.  On a recent visit to POA, she was fit with a running leg.  She’s already putting it to use while training on the soccer field, where she’s determined to return as a player some day.   

Bree described herself perfectly that day we first met her at the hospital - she IS a “beast!”    And the beast is definitely back!!