Brad Soden, a US hero who served in the first Iraq War and later became a firefighter, has an incredible story of love and determination. He and his wife, Liz, faced a life-changing accident in 1999, but their love and Brad’s ingenuity shone through in the face of adversity.
The couple, living in Phoenix, Arizona, had their three kids in their truck when an accident occurred. Liz, who was driving, lost control of the vehicle due to a flat tire. Thankfully, their boys only suffered minor bruises, but the accident had serious consequences for Brad and Liz. Brad broke his leg, while Liz suffered a back injury that left her unable to move from the waist down.
Liz underwent surgery, and upon waking up, she believed her life was over. She feared that Brad would leave her for a “normal woman.” However, Brad’s response was nothing short of remarkable. He got down on one knee in the hospital and proposed to Liz. She said “yes,” and they got married soon after.
The road to recovery was long and challenging for Liz as she adjusted to life in a wheelchair. Hiking had been a beloved family activity, and it was tough for her to come to terms with not being able to participate in rough trails.
Brad, who had experience as a repair technician in the army, took it upon himself to create a special all-terrain wheelchair for Liz that could navigate off-road environments. He worked tirelessly in the garage to design an electric-powered wheelchair with tank treads, ensuring it was quiet and capable of tackling wooded and campsite terrains.
His dedication didn’t go unnoticed, and CEOs of the high-tech company NPC Robotics were impressed with Brad’s creation. They helped him refine the design, creating a technologically advanced, all-terrain wheelchair that was quiet, speedy, and capable of navigating rough terrain.
Today, when the family goes for a walk, they are a force to be reckoned with, thanks to Brad’s invention. His unwavering love for Liz and determination to enhance her quality of life is an inspiring story of resilience and innovation. Brad’s actions demonstrate the power of love and support in the face of adversity, and his dedication to helping his family member overcome challenges is a testament to his character.
