FAYETTEVILLE, AR.--- "Sweet spirited, hard working, caring, always positive. I've yet to see her have a bad day," says University of Arkansas Spirit Squad Director Jean Nail.
Patience Beard was born to be a cheerleader.
As you watch her stunt on the sidelines, you would never guess she's any different from her teammates.
As you watch her stunt on the sidelines, you would never guess she's any different from her teammates.
"I do have my knee. It just bends at a different spot than my other knee so it was hard jumping up high enough and getting strong enough," states amputee cheerleader Patience Beard.
Patience was born with Proximal Femoral Focal Deficiency, in other words, her left femur was much shorter than her right. It was so severe, amputation was necessary.
"I've never known any different. I learned to walk with a prosthetic leg so it's just been normal to me. My whole life it's how I've been," says Patience.
She got her first prosthetic at 14 months, began tumbling at 4 and cheering in 7th grade.
"I went through a time where I felt different than everyone. I thought 'This is kind of hard.' But my mom was right there and she was like 'No, this is you. You can't change it so just embrace it," says Patience.
So she did. Displaying her prosthetic proudly with bright prints, matching her fearless personality.
"It's all about how you perceive yourself. Growing up I didn't ever think of myself as disabled. So I think that helped with other people to see me that way," states Patience.
Including University of Arkansas Spirit Squad Director, Jean Nail. Patience captured her heart during tryouts.
"I was excited and thrilled for her because it was very obvious that she worked extremely hard to get to this point. But, she does great. She had everything we needed. She was able to execute it all with that beautiful smile," says Nail.
Always giving 110-percent on the field, her will to achieve still impresses partner Kevin Ellstrand... even more than her zebra leg did.
"She doesn't let it slow her down at all. She's very very fun to be around," says Ellstrand.
"There's so much more to cheerleading than tumbling and stunts and leading the crowd. It's all about your attitude," says Patience.
Patience Beard...born to be a cheerleader. Driven to share her enthusiasm for life and determined to succeed.
"I think it would be really cool if I could inspire kids that are like me, even just people going through everyday situations," says Patience.
Patience hopes to become a motivational speaker. She's already made several appearances in Northwest Arkansas classrooms.
For her undeniable strength and perseverance, Patience was nominated for the National 2012 Courage Award, created to recognize a college football player who has overcome an injury.
For her undeniable strength and perseverance, Patience was nominated for the National 2012 Courage Award, created to recognize a college football player who has overcome an injury.
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