Brad Soden has faced many challenges throughout his life. From serving in the first Iraq War to later becoming a heroic firefighter, his life was a testament to resilience and determination. Brad, along with his wife Liz and their three children, call Phoenix, Arizona home. Their life seemed like a dream come true until a life-changing event on August 15, 1999.
On that fateful day, their three children were in the family truck with Liz behind the wheel. As fate would have it, the left front tire burst, causing Liz to lose control of the vehicle and end up off the road. This accident could have been devastating, but miraculously their three boys only suffered minor injuries. But for Brad and Liz, the situation was desperate. Brad suffered a broken leg, while Liz’s injuries were much more serious; she broke her back and was paralyzed from the waist down.
Liz required immediate hospitalization and surgery. When she woke up in the hospital, doctors informed her of the extent of her injuries. It was a moment of despair when she believed her life had changed forever. She was dating Brad at the time of the accident and feared he might leave her for a “normal” woman.
Who Said What Brad? Right in the hospital, he got down on one knee and asked her to marry him.
Liz naturally said yes and they were married shortly after.
Her family supported her throughout the long recovery process.
Despite being a strong woman, Liz found it difficult to adjust to life in a wheelchair. all the more so since hiking is a popular household activity.
After the accident, Liz struggled to carry on but soon realized that her wheelchair would never allow her to navigate the challenging routes she loved.
Liz had to stay on the straight path while the rest of the family followed the moose trail.
Sobbing, she ordered her family to continue. After seeing the picture, Brad vowed that it would never happen again, which really made him sad.
Brad was an army repairman in charge of tank maintenance and cleaning.
He made Liz a unique wheelchair that could travel off-road as part of his business, so she could travel anywhere the family went.
However, it was not as simple as it seemed.
Brad spent days upon days working in the garage.
Some days he didn’t get out much and sometimes he lost his temper.
Liz and the locals got used to the annoying noise coming from the garage.
Brad’s question? to create a silent electric motor that can be used in campsites and in the forest.
After extensive research and experimentation, Brad finally made a breakthrough. He invited Liz into the garage and revealed his creation: a unique wheelchair equipped with tank treads. This innovative solution meant that Liz could once again traverse challenging terrain and be an active part of family adventures.
Brad’s invention did not go unnoticed. Among those intrigued by the off-road scooter were the CEOs of NPC Robotics, a high-tech company. They recognized the potential of Brad’s creation and decided to lend their expertise to produce a prototype. Cutting-edge engineering and cutting-edge technology have brought the new Liz wheelchair to life. It was fast, quiet, and off-road capable.
Today, when the family goes on nature trips, it is difficult to keep up with them. Brad, the kids, and Liz are once again a united front reveling in the beauty of nature. Brad’s ingenious creation not only demonstrated his boundless love for Liz but also his intelligence and unwavering determination to overcome any challenge life throws their way.
In a world filled with stories of adversity, Brad and Liz’s story is a testament to the power of love and the incredible feats that can be achieved when love meets determination. Their journey is an inspiring reminder that even the most daunting obstacles can be overcome with ingenuity, dedication, and unwavering support. It is a story that shows the enduring power of the human spirit and the limitless potential of love.
What a fantastic concept! Brad showed Liz not only how much he cares for her, but also how intelligent and driven to succeed he is.