CU Nursing - Spring/Summer 2021 - 16

COLLEGE

Participating in the Army's World Class Athlete Program, winning
nine gold medals in the Armed Services Competition, and two World
Military Championship, and having qualified in 1988 and 1992 in the
110m hurdles and 400m hurdles respectively, he seemed destined to
compete as a member of the 1996 Olympic Team.

LIFE-CHANGING INJURY SHIFTS MINDSET
Unfortunately, during training, he experienced a life-changing injury
that sent him on a journey of discovery. While practicing, he missstepped a hurdle and landed awkwardly. The injury caused an arterial
blockage in his left leg which cut off the blood supply. " My leg started
to die, " said Register. The doctors told him he'd never run normally
again. Hoping for a better quality of life, he chose to amputate. " The
pain spoke first. Get rid of the leg. Get rid of the pain, "
That was the beginning of his new normal mindset. He was at a low
point. His dreams were shattered. His wife told him they would get
through it. Her support helped give him a platform. " When truth
outweighs fear, we commit to a courageous life, " Register said. Postamputation, he began swimming for physical therapy, re-sparking a
competitiveness that he thought he had lost. " I did not overcome the
loss of my limb. To overcome the loss would mean I'd have to grow
it back. What I overcame were the limits I placed on myself and that
others placed on me. This is what is universal for all of us to overcome. "

APPLYING LIFE LESSONS AND FOCUSING
ON WHAT'S POSSIBLE
Register's life has come full circle in his transformation from AllAmerican long jumper to Paralympic Silver medalist. His experience led
him to found Inspired Communications International, where he serves
as a motivational/inspirational speaker, helping audiences amputate
fear and apply life lessons learned through time of testing to focus on
what's possible. His keynote, " Amputate Fear: Embrace the New Normal
Mindset " challenges audiences to unleash the inspiration in them.
Like many, Casper and Register have struggled. The two have, however,
been able to direct their challenges into something positive and have
chosen to share the lessons they have learned to help veterans and
the general public who are suffering. " One thing we all need in life is
empowerment, " said Casper.

CU NURSING - A COMMITMENT TO CARING FOR OUR
SERVICE MEMBERS, VETERANS AND THE COMMUNITY
CU Nursing is committed and engaged in caring for our service members
and veterans, starting the first Master of Science and Doctoral degree
programs in Veteran and Military Health Care for our nurses and other
health care providers to really understand these underlying issues,
service-connected conditions, and ways to improve the systems of

CU College of Nursing | Spring Summer 2021

I did not overcome the loss
of my limb. To overcome the
loss would mean I'd have to
grow it back. What I overcame
were the limits I placed
on myself and that others
placed on me. This is what
is universal for all of us to
overcome "
- John Register

John Register wins
a silver medal in the
Paralympics

CU Nursing - Spring/Summer 2021

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of CU Nursing - Spring/Summer 2021