A Chance Encounter: Two Amputees

A 71-year-old man and a 7-year-old boy forge an unexpected friendship based on their experiences of losing a limb. (St. Petersburg Times)

It was an entirely chance meeting that both parties say now was meant to be. As Jodi and Brett Bainter drove their son Jake, 7, to the hospital to undergo an amputation of his severely injured leg, the family came upon Bill Hansbury, a 71-year old amputee and avid cyclist, on the side of the road.

The family stopped, asking Hansbury for some words of encouragement. Hansbury immediately gave Jake a hug and a friendship was born.

Hansbury was there when Jake came home from the hospital and many other times when the little boy needed to talk. And Jake has touched Hansbury’s life in special ways also. For one, the little boy has inspired the former marathon runner to take up jogging again.

This touching video by the St. Petersburg Times is part of columnist Jeff Klinkenberg’s “Real Florida” series about Florida culture and people who make the state unique.

CHANNEL: St. Petersburg Times / TampaBay.com

Length: 3:37

Video/Editing by Maurice Rivenbark

VIEW: http://www.tampabay.com/video/?bcpid=1886158340&bctid=27686295001

SEE ALSO:

“A crusty man becomes perfect mentor for boy dealing with amputation”

http://www.tampabay.com/features/humaninterest/a-crusty-man-becomes-perfect-mentor-for-boy-dealing-with-amputation/1013640