Redefining possibilities: Wichita woman embraces new life after losing hands, legs
WICHITA, Kan. (KSNW)—One Wichita woman is redefining possibilities for herself instead of letting her disability define her.
'The more I try to make it the same, it's not going to be the same. And so, you have to get really comfortable with the new you,' Jennifer Griffin, an executive leadership coach, said.
Developing that comfort has taken 18 years for Griffin. In 2007, Griffin's hands and legs were amputated after her organs shut down due to sepsis. It started with flu-like symptoms, which then got worse to sepsis. She spent three and a half months recovering at the hospital. She was only 35 years old.
'I gave myself permission to have really bad days, to be angry. But it didn't feel good after a certain point,' she said.
Griffin said she mourned the loss but knew she had to look at the future and make decisions.
'To really succeed and move forward, you have to let go because your world is not going to be the same,' she said.
Remarkable Women: Retired Kansas nurse dedicates life to helping others
Letting go, she said, is one of the toughest things she has ever had to do, but with determination, rehab and a great support system of family and friends, Griffin said she is proud of who she is now.
'I can cook, I can chop things in the kitchen, I can drive, I can put my makeup on, I can there's there are very few things that I that I need assistance with,' she said.
As an executive leadership coach, Griffin now uses her journey to help others battle their own struggles by being an example herself.
'All we can do is give someone an example in words and encouragement, and we can't change people. We can guide them,' she said.
Guidance and acceptance with lots of hope.
'I've started a book, and I've worked on it for a while, and I really hope I can get that finished this year. That would be so exciting for me. And just continue inspiring people, and just continue to help,' Griffin said.
During the months of March and April, KSN will share stories of Remarkable Women. Be sure to stay tuned! To learn more about Nexstar's Remarkable Women contest, click here.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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