A Real Winner – Interview with Retired Pro Du-Athlete Cathy Parbst-Accurso

Interview with Rajesh Durbal, a triple amputee Tri-athlete

By Cathy Parbst-Accurso PT

Rajesh knows what it is like to be challenged.  He was born without legs and only one arm…As a young boy growing up he was constantly teased and ridiculed: an outcast amongst his own peers.

As a result he tried to hide himself in baggy loose fitted clothing in the hopes to blend in .

The pressure was so great that Rajesh remembers being suicidal.

At the age of 12, Rajesh found the athlete that was waiting to emerge. He became involved with downhill slalom skiing and started his journey into finding himself: the real person that was inside the body…

But he still struggled with his depression…..

Finally at age 14, his Mom got him involved in an amputee support group, where he could relate to other teenagers that had similar disabilities and did not feel alone in his struggles.

Rajesh continued his love for speed with running. He found his passion and gift in the 100 and 200 meter sprint. It was not long, before Rajesh set a world record for these events.  Unfortunately he experienced a set back when he sustained a knee injury during a volleyball game.

So what inspired Rajesh to the sport of triathlon?  One night alone in his room he prayed to God to give him something that he thought impossible: a triathlon.  Since that night he has trusted the Lord to guide him on this difficult journey, overcoming many obstacles, as he trained.

Now at 32 years old Rajesh has his eyes set for breaking any records he can on his way to the Hawaii Ironman. There is one necessary thing he needs in order to reach this amazing goal: New running legs, and bike legs.

The set of legs that Rajesh is currently using are not meant for long distance running. He is not able to run more than 5 miles and when he does, he is not able to walk for a few days due to the soreness on his stumps.

In order to reach his goal Rajesh will need a set of legs that cost about $45,000!  A small price to pay for the goal he has set.

With your help, you can make this happen. If everyone entering the MIT triathlon donated an additional $15, Rajesh would be more than halfway to meeting his goal.

Rajesh is starting a non-profit organization LIVE-FREE.NET whose mission is to develop and organize races, and also to provide training, education, and job placement for disabled people in Florida. In addition this organization will provide the funding for the equipment and sponsorship for athletic pursuits.

When I asked Rajesh if he ever gets discouraged, he said “yes, every day, it’s a battle to stay motivated and positive. Staying happy is a choice, I choose to be happy and work very hard to stay that way”

What really keeps him going is the root of why he started this journey and that comes from the Love, patience, peace and strength he finds in God, who he gives the glory to every day he is able to wake and feel alive….

Anyone who has gotten a chance to speak to this young man can feel that from him.

If you would like to make a differenced and help Rajesh reach his goal, please go to www.itsgotimeevents.com and donate whatever your pocket and hearts can do….

I personally was extremely touched by this young man and feel gratitude for what I have in my life. …I hope Rajesh’s story will motivate you and inspire you, but most of all allow you to feel gratitude for all the gifts you have in your life and allow you to share those gifts any way you can…..We are nothing alone. Give the glory to the one who has given you your life : God.   Trust that he is watching and guiding you if you listen…….And you will find that nothing is impossible with him ….

Cathy Parbst-Accurso PT