How to live a whole life without a whole body | Erica Kinney | TEDxPortsmouth

When she was eleven years old, Erica Kinney felt a pain in her leg on a Sunday walk with her mother. Less than 48 hours later, Kinney was getting the life-changing diagnosis of childhood bone cancer. In this powerful talk, she shares the benefits of being an “outspoken” kid and how, as a young adult, she made the radical decision to amputate her leg rather than keep her leg, but live tethered to a hospital. With poignancy and humor, she explores what makes a life worth living.
Erica Kinney is the business development director at SC Digital, a Portsmouth, New Hampshire, website and digital marketing agency. As a childhood bone cancer survivor and an above-knee amputee, she embraces the opportunity to have conversations about living differently-abled, overcoming obstacles, and advocacy. Community involvement and volunteering are important to Erica; she is on the boards of Eliot Connects and Best Buddies of New Hampshire and is competing for BBNH Champion of the Year. Erica lives by the motto, “What have you done today to earn This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at www.ted.com/tedx

[@jkkaffko8749]

Every time I watch this is makes me cry Erica - you are such an inspiration and a fierce warrior! Your TED talk is uplifting, full of humor, and passionate about listening to your body and not quieting that inner voice that we all have. And the deeper message about letting things go that no longer serve us is something that can resonate with everyone. I am SO humbled by your message and proud of your TED talk - you’re one in a million girl! 🩷

[@sarradennehy]

You are a natural speaker! Unbelievable! Confident, and so much humor sprinkled throughout! You inspire me!

[@LaurieBacheller-d5z]

Hi Erica I am so impressed with your poise but mostly your sense of humor speaking about deeply personal life changing experiences. I love your attitude and that you are sharing your beautiful resilience. Sending so much respect and love for the woman you have become . Xo

[@kathycronin251]

Great talk! Erica was born to uplift and inspire us all!

[@barbaraspike2820]

Amazing speaker! Humor, clarity, education, insight into a sometimes difficult conversation! Thank you, Erica Kinney, for answering questions many of us wouldn't think to ask!

[@JoeLouisErina]

I noticed a fabulous soul leaving her mark in history!

[@orionisisosiris]

You, my friend, are one tough azz woman! All my love Kinney 👊❤👊

[@crowningglory6654]

Your positive mindset is everything, focusing on the other side of life despite your challenges well done you ❤

[@Businessideas-10-M]

Very nice 👍😢

[@yashamrang5788]

Such an inspirational speech👏🏻 Your words stuck to my mind

[@AnnisLegrow]

You continue to inspire us all. Thank you for sharing your challenging medical journey.

[@stomperjones8958]

Wonderful peice, well put together with antidotes and humor! She was lovely to meet also while working under the baseball lights. She passed on a way to reach her but sadly her web address was for a company. My search continues, her humor on camera and in person was a delight.

[@saraanselmo8793]

Erica, you are such an amazing speaker! I love hearing your story and your insights into living the best life you can

[@michellemills6803]

What a wonderful talk! Erica, what an inspiration you are. Thank you for sharing your journey💜

[@mariongroves2588]

Brava-- thank you for telling your story... you inspire me.

[@radhathapa3957]

You're an inspiration. Love you Erica.

[@new_Dharma_Semesta]

Very inspirative, thanks Kenny❤

[@eg3787]

Amazing! I have known parts of your story, and have loved your fierce warrior spirit ever since we met ❤ I wanted to jump in and share the snippets for which I was present (waving at my boys with your new “stump” and watching their anxiety melt away, or walking down the farm lane “looking for Diddles”…). You didn’t need that - you told your story in such a way that it blended perfectly with your message. Thank you, love! I needed to hear that! You said it all SO well. Brava, my soul-niece! ❤

[@bosshairsociety1668]

Absolutely crushed it. You’re an inspiration!

[@angelad9572]

I absolutely love this! Incredible woman!!!

[@studytime8583]

Only postive mindset

[@SandyBerkenbush]

Just so proud!!!

[@magnoliacontent499]

Such an inspiring and powerful message! ❤️👏✨

[@ecolwell1364]

Great job buddy!

[@MarlaSimon-d8g]

Love this so much!

[@orionisisosiris]

Thanks!

[@midnightkingtalks]

Loved it. The first time I saw you, you were working your @ss off cooking on crutches! Very well done, my friend!

[@Davidson.k]

Thank you for sharing. You gave me hope❤

[@njanderson4342]

Go Erica!