Amy Purdy's Stunning Dance Reunion with Derek Hough: A Triumph Over Adversity

Amy Purdy, Derek Hough. Getty Images (2)

Paralympian Amy Purdy expressed gratitude for being able to walk and dance with Derek Hough once more, following a significant health scare. "After sustaining a leg injury four years ago and going through more than 10 surgeries, I was uncertain if I would ever walk comfortably again, let alone dance," Purdy, 43, shared on Instagram on October 14. "But tonight, I not only walked into the theater, but also danced with my friend and DWTS partner, Derek Hough."

Matt Winkelmeyer/Getty Images for Sports Spectacular

"Life is indeed a journey, or as Derek aptly puts it, 'life is a symphony!'" Purdy expressed in her recent caption, commending Hough for his incredible talent, creativity, and passion. Presently serving as a judge on the esteemed ballroom dance show, Hough's dedication is truly inspiring. "Let this serve as a reminder that no matter what challenges you may be facing, perseverance is key!"

In February 2019, Purdy faced a critical situation wherein she had to make a tough decision between saving her leg or her kidney. At that time, she was grappling with a "massive blood clot."

"I used to spend six hours a day snowboarding, exercising, and traveling the world. However, what I thought was a simple mechanical issue with my left leg turned out to be much more serious," she wrote on Facebook. "When I was admitted to the hospital over the weekend due to leg cramping, we discovered that it was a much bigger problem than anticipated."

She went on to explain, "Because I am highly active, wearing my prosthetics for 12-18 hours a day, I have developed a massive blood clot that spans from my hip to the bottom of my leg. The diagnosis was given yesterday and it took a toll on my family and me both physically and emotionally. We suspect that the clot formed due to the pressure exerted by my prosthetic behind my knee, where many arteries are located."

The athlete explained that the surgery was complicated due to the potential impact of the "contrast dye in the procedures" on her kidney transplant.

At the age of 19, Purdy was hospitalized with meningococcal meningitis and septic shock, resulting in the removal of both her spleen and kidneys. She also had her legs amputated below the knee. A year later, her father donated a kidney to her. Despite facing physical challenges, Purdy started snowboarding with prosthetic legs and competed in the Paralympic Games. She achieved a bronze medal in the 2014 competition and a silver medal in 2018.

Purdy shared via social media that her 2019 surgery had a successful outcome. She also mentioned that her kidney was being examined to ensure it coped well with the procedure. Although contrast was used, she remained hopeful that her kidney, known for its strength, would prevail.

She continued, “I have some healing ahead of me but couldn’t be more grateful to feel the love and support behind me.”

In this article

Amy Purdy

Derek Hough

Dancing With The Stars