At just 19 years old, while studying to become a math teacher, Erica Tambrini’s life was turned upside down when she contracted meningitis and sepsis in 2005. She was placed in a medically induced coma for seven weeks, and when she awoke, she faced a devastating reality: her hands and feet had turned black from sepsis, and multiple surgeries led to the amputation of both legs below the knee and both arms below the elbow. The sudden loss left her struggling with her self-image and questioning what her future would look like.
Despite the drastic change, Erica’s story took a hopeful turn when she met Luke, who would become her husband, just a year after her amputations. His unconditional love and support helped her regain confidence, and together they built a family. Today, Erica is the proud mother of two children, Lily, five, and Michael, three. She describes motherhood as her greatest accomplishment, even though at first she feared she wouldn’t be able to physically care for her babies. With Luke’s support and her determination, she learned to adapt and thrive as a parent.
Determined not to let her disability define her, Erica worked tirelessly to regain her independence. She focused on adjusting to prosthetics and refused to let her family suffer because of her limitations. While she admits it’s difficult knowing she can’t do certain things, like run in the park with her kids or braid her daughter’s hair, she remains deeply grateful to be present in their lives. She also embraces the positives, such as being able to ride her bike for miles without pain thanks to her prosthetic legs.
Her resilience eventually led her down a new career path. Shifting from mathematics, Erica pursued occupational therapy, a field where she could use her experience to help others navigate their own challenges. She describes her work as “incredible,” as it allows her to inspire, guide, and support people while applying the same lessons to her own journey. Her determination and positivity have led many to regard her as a true source of inspiration.
Now 34, Erica has fully embraced her disability and refuses to let it limit her self-expression or her joy. She proudly wears shorts and celebrates the opportunities her journey has brought—like connecting with the adaptive sports community and meeting countless inspiring people. Her message to others facing adversity is one of perseverance and hope: with time, resilience, and determination, life can become not only manageable but meaningful.
