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Paralympian Jerome Singleton recently spent time at Shriners Hospitals for Children in Greenville. |
The fastest amputee in the world, Jerome Singleton, spent Monday morning visiting patients at Shriners Hospitals for Children® — Greenville. Patients, parents, and staff were able to learn about Jerome’s experience as an amputee and his trek to Paralympic stardom.
Jerome was born without a fibula in his right leg. Throughout his childhood, he was a patient at Shriners Hospitals for Children — Greenville where he received expert care, including his below the knee amputation and first prosthetics. Jerome, from Irmo, SC, won the 100-meter event at the Paralympic World Championships in New Zealand last January, earning the title “Fastest Amputee in the World.”
While visiting with patients, he spent time with each one, answering any questions, providing some encouraging words and advice, showing off his regular leg and running leg, posing for photos and signing autographs.
Jerome said he took the time out of his training schedule to visit with patients because, “This is where it all started for me, right here in this hospital. I know what Shriners Hospitals for Children — Greenville does for the kids. I wouldn’t be where I am today if it weren’t for this hospital.” He hopes his visit to the hospital helps to inspire at least one patient to get out there and be more active.
While he encourages physical activity, Jerome made sure every patient understood that he put education first. “I know I won’t be running forever, so I had to have something in place,” Jerome said. He went to Morehouse College where he double majored in mathematics and applied physics before transferring to the University of Michigan to complete his dual degree with Morehouse, and adding an industrial engineering degree.