Eight years ago, Faizool’s girlfriend drove him to the emergency room with crushing leg pain. An active, healthy and energetic individual, the diagnosis of deep vein thrombosis was not something he expected. While he received immediate treatment, the clot in his lower leg resulted in complications.

“Through my training, I knew that the DVT was life threatening and that I could potentially lose my leg,” recalls Faizool. “I also knew that living with a below-the-knee amputation would be much less difficult than living with an above-the-knee amputation.” With that knowledge, and his family’s love and support, Faizool went through with the surgery that would save, but forever change his life.

He arrived at Helen Hayes Hospital prepared to forge ahead. His physician, therapist and prosthetist worked as a team, imparting the skills and tools Faizool would need to restart his life. The hospital’s Prosthetic Orthotic Center fit him with high tech lower limb prosthesis and Faizool was on his way.

He returned to work, married and started a family and was grateful to be alive. Yet he sensed a void. He missed playing sports and coaching. And he wanted to connect with his peers – individuals who faced similar challenges.

Faizool’s prosthetist at Helen Hayes told him about the hospital’s adapted sports program. It wasn’t long before he was out on the court, playing wheelchair basketball with a bunch of guys who shared not just his enthusiasm and drive, but similar life experiences.

“It just clicked,” says Faizool. “It was just what I needed and I’m so thankful to Helen Hayes for opening new opportunities for me.”

Turns out Faizool is an outstanding wheelchair basketball player. Today, he plays for the professional team the New York Rolling Knicks.