PROJECT: 2013 HERO[series]
LOCATION: Grand Rapids, Michigan
VETERAN: Kathy Champion
BRANCH: U.S. Army
DESIGNER: Abby + Jesse Hora
VIDEO: Kala Project
PORTRAITS: Adam Bird
VENUE: GRid70
PARTNERS: Bates Footwear, KCAD
After serving 27 years in the Army, Kathy was medically discharged due to a gradual severity of a career full of injuries, including becoming blind and suffering from multiple sclerosis. At her lowest, she found herself homeless and sleeping on park benches despite being a former paramedic, public school teacher, college professor, and a commander of a special forces unit made up of 500 soldiers.
Life bent her, but Kathy did not break. She now climbs mountains, travels the world, rafts, sails, bikes, runs marathons, and more. Her daily motto is quite simple, “In all you do, be a Champion!” Always with a smile on her face that lights up the room, Kathy is a constant reminder to find a way to make lemonade no matter what life hands you.